If it’s financially plausible, I would 100% recommend getting a cleaner. It makes you keep things at least relatively tidy and it’s so nice to come home to a clean house. We both work full time and I generally have work to do at home too so not having the pressure of the ‘big clean’ jobs is lovely.
Best Housework Tips & Self-Care Secrets!
- Thread starter grcafterburner
- Start date
momonthego
New member
Bless you,I feel for you,I am same,have been home with both my children 7 and 4yo for 7 months now as we moved and still waiting for useless Sen team to get a school place for my son.They do help with tidying up,I always tell them we all live in the house all of us have responsibility to clean,even if they are little are able to put toys away,take plates to the sink or put rubbish in the bin,I do the dusting and hoovering.In a different day I do bathrooms aswe have 3 of them and kitchen another day.Seems easier if I split the work over more days and house stay clean as I always remind them to tidy up after they play or eat.However been home with both of them I can say I miss time for myself,I don't do anything for myself,weather is not great either and they miss being around children and having group activities.
thefaithkids
New member
I did the bare minimum until my son went to preschool and I got a few hours each day to get stuff done. No idea how working mums do anything at all.
misterblackeye
New member
Get my hair done once every 6 months 
grcafterburner
New member
Totally under stand you.
I’m the same I don’t have any time for me but have only 2 children 6 & 22 1/2 months old.
My 22 month old has dietary needs and both are on different asthma pump and hay-fever meds.
6 year old is on movicol for few years now and now need autism & adhd check as she seems to having a so much attention at home, trouble at bedtimes, mostly going out in public, was sometimes mornings and now changes of routine for school which is wear pe kit on two days a week instead of school uniform.
Been taking most of my time where I cannot eat and drink much and 5 minutes to myself and I work part time as I look after my 22 month old when not working.
Don’t get grandparents to have them much due to my 22 month old dietary as they all are unsure what food to give
I’m the same I don’t have any time for me but have only 2 children 6 & 22 1/2 months old.
My 22 month old has dietary needs and both are on different asthma pump and hay-fever meds.
6 year old is on movicol for few years now and now need autism & adhd check as she seems to having a so much attention at home, trouble at bedtimes, mostly going out in public, was sometimes mornings and now changes of routine for school which is wear pe kit on two days a week instead of school uniform.
Been taking most of my time where I cannot eat and drink much and 5 minutes to myself and I work part time as I look after my 22 month old when not working.
Don’t get grandparents to have them much due to my 22 month old dietary as they all are unsure what food to give
williejdyson
New member
I feel really sad that this is our society.
That our social conditioning means you wrote this post "attention all mums" without even considering what that tells us about the patriarchy and our internalised acceptance of it. I'm not blaming you at all, just a sad fact that it is universally accepted that women do the housework. That it is a woman's responsibility.
If you are home on maternity at the moment looking after the children is a full time job. If you have a partner he should be splitting the rest of the load with you. Being at home with children is a huge load and should not also come with being a full time maid, chef and housekeeper.
Do a comparison with your partner if you have one (sorry I've assumed). How much free time do you both get. By "self care" do you mean a shower and exercise ? Which is not self care but absolutely necessary. Or actual self care - hobbies, meeting up with people, being you not a mum.
That our social conditioning means you wrote this post "attention all mums" without even considering what that tells us about the patriarchy and our internalised acceptance of it. I'm not blaming you at all, just a sad fact that it is universally accepted that women do the housework. That it is a woman's responsibility.
If you are home on maternity at the moment looking after the children is a full time job. If you have a partner he should be splitting the rest of the load with you. Being at home with children is a huge load and should not also come with being a full time maid, chef and housekeeper.
Do a comparison with your partner if you have one (sorry I've assumed). How much free time do you both get. By "self care" do you mean a shower and exercise ? Which is not self care but absolutely necessary. Or actual self care - hobbies, meeting up with people, being you not a mum.
psalms2317
New member
@williejdyson This is SO true. When my daughter (now 3) was really little I remember my husband getting frustrated with me because he was rushing getting ready for work and I asked him to watch the baby whilst I brushed my teeth and got freshened up for the day, after having been up for most of the night. I got so cross with him for fussing, burst in to tears and shouted "it's just basic personal hygiene, why can't I even do that" 
They just have no clue just how much we take on as the mother.
They just have no clue just how much we take on as the mother.williejdyson
New member
momof2labs
New member
Heya x sorry that it is all a bit much for you just now. One day you will look back and wonder how on earth you filled your time. I have a nine year old, puppy, old doggy and a husband and i can often feel like this. My hubby works full time and so my job is mum and the house (my choice). If i am feeling overwhelmed i will often do cleaning up while i listen to a podcast in one ear. It means i get the job done but also i am listenning to something i want to instead of just listenning to kids tv. I can reccommend The Secret Mum Club as a podcast as it reassures me that WE ALL feel like this at times. Sending you a big hug xx
I definitely think the only way to get self care regularly when they’re this young is to join a group outside of the house and get a sitter 
then you have to go out- but even then anticipate only making half the classes at most!
If there’s something you love to do at home and u can book a sitter and manage to stay at home uninvolved fantastic! But it’s so hard when they’re small! It’s not forever! And you will be more than just mum again soon! <<hugs>> our youngest started school this year so I got to go back to work and I am so joyful!
I’m more then just mum and I get some evenings when they fall asleep quickly too! 
then you have to go out- but even then anticipate only making half the classes at most!If there’s something you love to do at home and u can book a sitter and manage to stay at home uninvolved fantastic! But it’s so hard when they’re small! It’s not forever! And you will be more than just mum again soon! <<hugs>> our youngest started school this year so I got to go back to work and I am so joyful!
I’m more then just mum and I get some evenings when they fall asleep quickly too! I don't, I constantly feel exhausted! Work full time in a very demanding job and I have a 4 year old and a large male child too. I don't ever sit down until at least 8pm. I only keep on top of things by doing a little bit everynitht. I don't want to spend my weekends doing the cleaning so I'll clean the bathroom whilst LO is in the bath and I'll do mid week clothes wash. I do my food shop so it's delivered to take that stress away and everything else gets done when it gets done. I did think about getting a cleaner to help and support
dandyd032000
New member
I think give it time. Your youngest is only 6 months. As your children get older it will get easier and you will have more time for yourself and housework. Until then just stay on top of the basic housework.