Thank you so much everyone for all your kind words and valuable practical advice.

Yes, I should have mentioned, we don’t do afternoon naps in this house *sigh* if only, I am a HUGE fan of afternoon naps myself (especially atm). It makes for long days.

And it’s not really that bad, DS will be in kindy three days a week and DD two days so I will get a good break from them (I have convinced DH that kindy is actually much cheaper than prescription medication and therapy for me). But.... I don’t get much of a break on the weekend because DH is always working on the house (or some other project) and it is the most I will have ever been with them as a proportion of the week.

I do really well with the newborn stage (and older children) so I’m not really worried about that, it’s the 9 months to 3 years age/stage where they’re all brawn and no brain. They want to explore their world at the expense of the tidiness and cleanliness of mine, I find that extremely challenging.

Mel – Ahh thanks for your tips and honesty mate.

Appletree – I love going to cafes.... by myself.... Nah but seriously, I do take them to cafes quite often and I thought it was such an extravagance I’d have to give it up. But DH really surprised me and said, no way, keep going, it teaches them manners in public and functional things like how to speak to strangers (ordering) and money (paying). And I do make them order and pay for what they want.

Littlelara – I really like the tearing up junk mail / cutting and pasting activity idea. Thanks.

CheeselMonster – thanks for the tips.

Ahh my Belle – We’re right there with each other aren’t we! Lets meet at Carlingford Court once a week or something. It’s so funny you mentioned glitter, I nearly went back and added to my OP, please don’t suggest anything that involves glitter, I have a glitter phobia. Seriously, I HATE the stuff, there’s is a glitter decontamination chamber at my front door.

Independent play teaches kids a lot too!
PollyA -I could kiss you for this! Thanks, I LOVE it!

BeautifulMadness – Hehehe, that sounds great!

JustMe – I was hoping you would see this thread and reply because from what I know of you I really, really admire the way you interact with your kids (you are my SAHM hero). Thank you so much for such a detailed reply. It’s all extremely helpful.

Winter – Thanks for your tips mate.

Mak – And thanks for your tips too.