Ask:
I am a stay at home mom to two boys (3 and 1). I feel the need to find some sort of resource book to help manage everything. How do I work with a 3 year old with a 1 year old? How do I manage all the things that need to be done in the household? Does anybody know any book/resources out there to help?!
Answer:
I don't know of any books out there for SAHMs, but I wanted to welcome you to here. There are a lot of great SAHMs here (and WAHMs, Working-Outside-the-Home moms, not-yet moms, and all kinds of people, too) that are a great resource.
Browse the forums, and see what you can find. Don't be afraid to ask questions. We're glad to have you with us!
Answer:
First of all welcome.
Next, take a deep breath... Having a 3 & 1 year old is a full time job in itself and the most important one you have right now. Things are not going to be perfect in your house at this time. Don't even try to make it perfect or you will be so busy, you will miss the good stuff with your kids. Try to do some of your work while they are napping. The flylady.com has work schedules, you might want to check out her site. I ordered her journal, it was well worth the $12, but pretty much everything is right on her site. I think the easiest way to try to make it through all the chores is to just pick one big one per day and other than that, just try to maintain.
It gets easier as they grow, but they are at their absolute cutest right at this moment. Spend lots of time enjoying them.
We're here with any questions you have.
Kelly
(mom to 2 boys, 5 & 7)
Answer:
Welcome! Treehugger says it all! Enjoy those boys! They are at a fun, fun age when they love "mommy" time! I used to set one goal per day and anything else I happened to get done was bonus! It does get easier. And, what doesn't get done today will be there tomorrow. But, those precious kiddos will grow up!
Answer:
Thank You all for your loving support. I do not know any Stay at home moms, so I think the main thing I need now are friends out there that can offer me some support on raising two boys (we have NEVER had a boy on my side of the family before) and being able to be the best mother and housewife that I can be. Thank you again!
Answer:
Glad to have you here!!!!!!!
I think that you need to remember to prioritize. I had 3 in 3 1/2 years...my first two boys are 10 months apart...so I know what you are going through.
First, realize that all of their care comes first....their meals, laundry, baths, and activities.
Maybe writing a schedule down will help you after you make a list of all the things that just have to get done. Choose days for specific jobs....
Monday is laundry
Tuesday is dusting
Wednesday is vacuuming
Thursday is bathroom cleaning
Friday is kitchen cleaning
and so on.....
If you do like a time-slot list that might help you, too. For example:
You know that your children are up by 7 so breakfast is at 7:30
8 is clean up and rinse dishes while oldest child colors at the kitchen table
8:30 (insert activity here)
I'm big on lists and timetables. Hope this helps. Always schedule down time for you to rest and regroup. Remember that if things are always perfect, it is okay. Work around meals and the kids' care as much as possible until you get in a groove.
If you need any other sanity tips, just let us know....we are here for you!!
Answer:
I think I need to jump on to this.. And prioritize my days.. You know make one day clean bathroom, next something else.. I always try to get it all done in one day.. does not work that way..! Ugh.
Answer:
I swear that that is the only way that I was able to keep my sanity and reason....what there was of it at the time. Otherwise, I just felt overwhelmed. After I got in a groove, I didn't need to schedule everything so much, but I still find myself doing it when we have a lot of extra busyness going on. Especially since I work outside of the home full time and need to fit all the home/family stuff in on the weekends and evenings. It helps me to stay on top of things when I have lists.
Answer:
Besides Mommy Savers, try the library. Our library has tons of books on budgeting, stay at home, couponing, cheap recipes, frugal living and so on!
Good luck to you!
Answer:
I have found one really good SAHM book. It is called "Celebrate Home: Encouragement and Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents." It is written from a biblical perspective but I found it very, very helpful when it came to staying at home. It is jam packed with tons of ideas and activities for your kids and you. There are chapters on budgeting, time management, hospitality, and taking time for you. You might check it out. It was written by Angie Peters. HTH