Oh Chickie do I know what you mean!!! Some things I do, for the hour before choas break outs we all have one hour of quiet time (usually 2-3pm for my my family). Then I can either sleep if I need or catch up on jobs in peace! I also get a renewed burst of energy till the kids go to bed. I get the washing off the line but my kids fold it and put it away (even my 2yo helps). I pair up one older kid with a younger one for bathtime so I don't need to supervise so closely and the older kids (my 6,7,8 yo's) feel responsible and helpful. I use a sling for my baby and he loves it and I can get on with my jobs. I hope this helps.