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I have five children, two girls of 9 and 7 and 3 boys, 5, 2.5 and 7 weeks. basically I cope OK except for 4-7pm (a.k.a witching hour). Thats when all the kids come home, homework needs to be done, bathtime, suppertime, the baby is screaming... you get the picture. I am also usually the most tired that time anyway. When Hubby comes home at 7 he takes over but I need help hanging in till he gets home. Anyone got advice?
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.
I only have 4 kids (7.5yo, 4.5yo, 2.5yo and 8wk old) and sometimes I find life hectic. Lately, I have been getting dinner ready anytime between 12pm and 2pm (while the baby is sleeping) but my DP leaves for work at 4pm so I am dishing up and reheating at about 3.30pm and usually making meals that this is easy to do with like cottage pies or pasta bake dishes or curries but occasionally crumbed chicken or steak meals as well ... but I digress ...
Most of the time I am home by myself with the kids (DP is an interstate truckie so is gone for 2 days at a time and only home for about 6 or 7 hours before he is off again) so routine is really important for us. I usually start to get the baby ready for bed around 4.30-5pm with a bath then a feed while the 7.5yo looks after the other two (who are usually still eating dinner) and he does his homework. By the time the baby is asleep and in bed, the 2.5yo has his bath time and curls up in our bed while the 4.5yo has a bath then goes to bed, then the 7.5yo. Usually all done by 6.30pm by which time I am exhausted, having been up since 5.30-6am in the morning and going pretty much non stop all day.
I also have one of those vibrating rockers which this baby loves - #3 hated it! So that makes it a little bit easier when he is awake and I still have things to do!
As well, I try to put a load of washing on before I go to bed every night (otherwise it just piles up and I feel like I'm getting nowhere) and then I hang it out in the morning after feeding the baby and having a shower (so it's usually on the line at 7.30-8am!) If it's a rainy day, unfortunately it goes straight in the dryer :cryinglaugh:
BUT I wouldn't change a single thing - I love my kids and hope to be able to have more!
Thanx for the advice!! I think just knowing I'm not the only one is a huge help already! Thanx
Oh is that just the most horrible time of the day!! I am usually so tired by then too..
My tips are
Start dinner early.. and when DH isn't home I have either Roasts or spag bol.. Easy and quick to cook...
We also eat early as in 5-5:30..
Depending on whats for dinner (ie messy or not) I also try and get baths done and out of the road.. one less thing to do after dinner..
and if bub is crying and just wants attention I get my eldest to play with her so I cn get things done..
Wow you guys really are super mums!!!!!:dance:
Well done to you all!!!!
Snoopea