How do parents manage a balance between work, home and raising their children?

[Fleur]

I remember freaking out about kind of the same thing while I was PG.. I couldn't fathom how I was supposed to get out of the house on time each morning when I was struggling as it was (with the three older kids). And I asked my boss for advice - she has 4 kids - and she said 'you just do it. you do what you have to do' And I thought 'pftt, that's not very helpful'... but as it turns out, it is exactly the truth

I went back when Pie was 9 weeks old but that was only one day a week. I think that helped... I kind of eased back into it, after a few weeks it was 2 days, then a month or two later it was three, then 4 (now I'm back to 2 for a while).

getting everything done... well, I don't! The housework definitely suffered, and if I end up back 4 days again after Christmas we will look at getting someone in to do the bathrooms once a week. We have a great repertoire now of quick & easy meals... and as for getting out of the house in the morning, I don't know how! but we managed fine. The best thing for me is to be really organised the night before - I get Pie's lunch, clothes etc ready, bag packed. I am usually up between 5 & 5:30 and aim to be out the door at 7:30 although it's usually more like 8.

Bottom line is, I found it much easier when I was actually doing it.
And I don't think you have to worry too much about trying to prepare yourself now KWIM? Just do what you have to now, then do what you have to later. Be gentle with yourself.
Best of luck

[MantaRay]

Synch, it does take some adjusting, but once you get a routine going it is do-able. One thing to consider is that there is a big difference between a 15 week old and a baby 2 months older. By then your DS will be in a different rhythm and you will also be in a different place. I'll be honest, it probably won't be easy at first, but you are a strong, capable person and are pretty good at adapting.

I think the biggest key is planning. If you are not a "do things the night before" sort of person, this might be the time to start. The less you have to do before getting out the door in the morning the better. And it helps to have a plan for how (when) dinners will be cooked, when the best time to buy groceries is etc. Also it can be a difficult time for relationships, so having it worked out with your DH in advance about who does what is a good idea too.

I know things are difficult for you right now hun, but don't stress too much that practising isn't going the way you'd hoped. It will work out when you are doing it for real

[ladybird11]

Um, the words 'juggling act' jump to mind .

I'm big on time management and preparation in advance. So if the kids are in child care the next day - their bags are packed and ready to go the night before as are their clothes laid out too.
DH is a massive help, he does (if not more) cleaning than I do around the house, as he's the shift worker of us. So team work is a huge thing with us - we work well together.