How do you work full time at a career and keep a clean home? I run out of energy at the end of the day's work

Question

I work full time, have a 30 minute commute each way. I have 8 grandchildren who love to come to my house, but aren't the best at picking up after themselves. My husband helps sometimes, but isn't always available. I feel swamped. I need suggestions on how to make the most of my time cleaning.

Answer 1

Boy do I know how you feel!

First off you need to help your Grandchildren learn responsibility by making them take out only what they will play with and not getting anything else out without having put the previous away first. Also it is never too young for a child to learn how to bring their plates, silverware, glasses, napkins, etc to the kitchen sink and rinsing them off, when they are done. Have a clean wet washcloth on the counter as well so they can use it to wipe there hands and faces.

It takes a little work but they will get in the routine, through your diligence. It also teaches them some important life lessons that will benefit them (and you) for years to come.

This may seem obvious, but are you eating breakfast? Doctors have always said it's the most important meal of the day, and it really is. I definately feel a huge drag in my day, and latter on in it, when I skip it. Even a simple bowl of cereal is better then nothing and can put that needed perk in your step.

I also try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of steady walking a day into my hectic schedule. It can be broken up and still count. Such as 15 mins during my lunch hour, then another 15 minutes after dinner. After a week or so of this you will see the benefits of extra vitality and energy to do those things which we never seem to have enough energy for.

Help your Husband to remember that they are HIS Grandchildren too, and splitting the chores up evenly will help either of you from feeling overswamped.

Lastly, Your children. Yes we all love having our grandchildren over to visit, but we have raised our own children already! pleasently remind them of that and have them participate in their clean up as well. And if any of them are taking advantage of you by having you keep their children all the time for other reasons then something absolutely necessary, make them keep that to a minimum. Grandparents deserve a life too and a break sometimes.

Hope this helped! You deserve it! :)

Answer 2

It's really hard - I know. I have a commute that's 1 1/2 hours each way. I leave at 6 am and get back at around 6 pm. When I get home I don't have the energy to do anything and most of the time I just laze around the house till bedtime. Sometimes I'll get up and cook or work out, but that's rarely. I try to keep a clean house by cleaning the heck out of it on the weekends and then just picking up here and there on the weekdays. It seems to work for me - but I don't have the 8 grandkids!

Good luck!

Answer 3

It's not easy. And, I don't think the working woman has the cleanest house on the block. Only if she has a cleaning service to clean her home. First of all, train your grandchildren to pick up after themselves. Your their grandmother not their slave. No wonder they like to come to your house!! How about paying them an allowance to do some chores around the house when they visit. It doesn't have to be much. Or, you could offer them a treat for helping you out by taking them some place special when the chores are done, like go out for Pizza, or the park or do something you know they will enjoy.

Answer 4

The kids have to help you, there is no doubt about that, your NOT superwoman you cannot try doing all on your own or you'll wear down your resistense and get sick. On top of getting the kids to do their part which is good for them to learn to pick up after themselves, but you can pick out which are the really bad spots and stay on top of those during the week and clean the bathrooms on the weekend. Throw a bit of laundry in twice a week to keep up with that. Other than that, I wouldn't kill myself over all those chores if no one else is gonna help you then hubby will have to do without certain things until he can learn or find the time to pitch in. Otherwise hire some help. Good Luck

Answer 5

I am a housewife and doing all the cooking and cleaning and shopping can be tiring. I have an 8 month who loves to make a mess, and my hubby works 50hrs out of the week with only 2 days off. Take one day where everything is cleaned. Then everyday after that do small "pick up jobs" where you do little jobs that straightens out the house. With the g-kids. Try to keep them confined to one room so the mess is easier to clean

Answer 6

You should probably work on getting better storage areas and getting the kids and your husband to understand you can't do everything. Make a list of chores for he and you to do. When the grand kids comes just have containers so you can easily put things away . Use paper plates and cups , for serving so there will be no dishes. Do it during the week too. Make your husband wash his own clothes or do a little load during the week. So when you get home just do the necessary, don't over work.

Answer 7

I hired my 14 year old neice for 25.00 a week.
That is Cheap quality help..!
14 and 15 year olds are always looking for ways to earn money.
She came two evenings a week, dusted , vaccumed, swept, cleaned my fridge, cleaned the bathroom, I would make a list of 3 or 4 things for her to do on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It took alot of stress off through the week, she got money and I got help....
Try the local high school, if you don't have a granddaughter who would do it then put an ad around town or flier... same way people look for teen sitters. Trust me dangle the dough and they will come running to help...

Answer 8

Make those grandkids learn they have to clean up after themselves or they no longer have the privilege of going to Grandma's house!!!!!! Out of 8 grandkids, some of them MUST be old enough to know better.

As for yourself...pick one or two things to clean instead of trying to tackle it all every day. If the dishes need to be done and the garbage emptied, do that. If the bathroom needs cleaning or the carpet vacuumed, do one of those.

Cleaning shouldn't take up all of your free time!

Answer 9

When you find out let me know - I work full time, drive 30 minutes to and from, sports every night and most weekends, dinner, showers, etc, etc. So please!! what is the answer, the kids are making a mess in the other room while I am cleaning the other one. Sorry I'm not much help but I concur!!

Answer 10

Try one room per day. I have the same problem, but no children to worry about. I work a full time job and a part time church job and live in a 4 story turn of last century stone home. I don't even worry about the attic and basement since I don't live in those rooms.