Ok- so we always have a messy clutter around the house and I am always trying to straighten it up, do the laundry, wash the dishes, and at the same time pack up my house because we are moving. At the same time I have 2 younge children and a newborn. My 4 year old is all of a sudden throwing tantrums, lying, not sharing, and today she threw her sister into the draws. My 2 year old is pinching, hitting, and screaming no. I am supposing that this is because they want my attention and this is the way to get it- at least that is the advice I seem to get from watching Super Nanny. So, my question is what do I do to get control of my children and the house?
2006-12-10 12:41:47 · 12 answers · asked by kelliemag 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
First of all....SLOW DOWN. Nobody can do it all...i know that most people think that we are always the superwoman and supermom...but sometimes we just need a little help! Can`t your hubby (partner) help out? He probably works a lot but hey...so do you! The thing I have learned is to not take everything so seriously! If you lose your sense of humor you might as well give up right now! Don`t get overwhelmed by everything...just do one thing at a time! Be there for the kids first and when they are taking their naps or go to sleep at night...clean up. You can`t clean up after them all day long...that is one battle you will not win! Kids will be kids, and with young ones such as yours....you will just have to get used to it! Do what you can, but don`t kill yourself. You can`t do it all! Accept that!
Good luck!!!
2006-12-10 12:48:08 · answer #1 · answered by Roxie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a 3 year old and a 19 month old. It's frustrating. I do most of my housework early in the morning before they wake up, while they're napping, and at night after they go to bed. Just remember that with little ones nobody expects your house to be spotless- as long as it isn't filthy, it's ok to let a few things go. Set aside an hour each day where you and the kids spend time together with NO distractions- turn off the phone and just do something with them- read a book, play a game, look at pictures, watch some cartoons- just make sure you do it with them. Also, find little ways that they can help you with the housework- my daughters love to help me move clothes from the washer to the dryer- it takes a little longer, but it's something you can do together- you're getting the job done- and it's teaching them responsibility. Best of Luck!
2006-12-10 20:50:56 · answer #2 · answered by Jennifer F 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whilst packing..start throwing away the excess, at least you won't have to deal with it in the next house. Moving is unsettling for everybody. The 2 and 4 year olds are big enough to put toys and things back where they go. Tell them Mummy is tired and needs their help...love them up when they do it. Try to be patient and involve them in a bit of the laundry or cleaning up. Sit down and have afternoon snack with them and a chat, its good for you all. Sounds like the 4 year old is needing a little independent space from her sister. All kids need to have special things for only them and a space that is just theres to get some peace. Maybe even have a time when they all go to their rooms and have solo time - bonus - you get solo time too.
2006-12-10 20:52:19 · answer #3 · answered by auntynoall 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 young children and a newborn, too.
-get some help packing
-make sure you spend time w/ your older kids (and make sure you listen to them and smile at them).
-pick one room in the house that you want clean and make sure your family knows it. (it can be your sanctuary where you can go and sit and pretend your whole house is clean....and the room you invite visitors to visit in.)
-pick one room in the house that the kids can really mess up and you can just close the door and be ok with it.
-alternate between playing and cleaning (like 1 hour playing, 2 hours packing, repeat.)
-2&4 year olds would probably enjoy helping you pack.
-instead of looking around at all the stuff you have to do, pick one job that you want to accomplish per day and anything more you do is extra but not required. Much of a mother's work is messed up soon after it's cleaned up anyway. That's just how it is.
-take lots of deep breaths and remember to laugh things off--pick your battles so you don't go crazy.
good luck :)
2006-12-10 21:02:47 · answer #4 · answered by beeswax 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great question...I have 4 little ones ages 6, 5, 20 months, & 5 months--PHEW! It is SO HARD to find time to spend with them and sometimes I find that so frustrating because I am fortunate enough to be a stay at home mom...yet, I feel like I if it were a regular job, I'd be so fired!!!
I have several time consuming things that I used to do that I no longer do...for instance, I used to fold pajamas...not anymore! they get tossed into the drawer (if they even make it to the dresser!) Who cares if they are wrinkled? They're pajamas!
Maybe you can take a close look at what eats up your day, and see if there is a quicker way to do things...you'd be surprised at how long something as meaningless as folding p.j.'s takes...I'm sure you can find a few cuts--use that time to play with your babies...it sounds like they are missing you & need your reassurance with the move and all.
Good luck to you & your family :)
Keep on smiling :)
2006-12-10 21:24:59 · answer #5 · answered by єЖтяα ¢яιѕρψ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get the kids involved in the packing and cleaning. Give them boxes to decorate and put their stuff in. Let the kids help with the laundry. It doesn't have to be folded perfect and it gives them time to spend with you. Lots of braising and love for good behavior and then when you have accomplished some things, take a time out and play for a while.
2006-12-10 20:52:14 · answer #6 · answered by cheoli 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just do the best you can, I have come to realize that Im NOT gonna get the amount of housework done I used to with a little one, and its more important to spend time with him.
I used to keep a super clean house, now if the laundry doesnt get folded right away or the dishwasher doesnt get emptied right away, the world isn't gonna end
being a mom to 1 two year old is hard enough but you have TWO little ones!!!!
concentrate on the little guys and control over them that is what ultimately is more important
2006-12-10 21:16:50 · answer #7 · answered by JoAnne H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make a list of what needs to be done, and do one thing at a time. try to get the kids to help you. make a game out of it. like the first kid to pick up all their toys gets a treat. or have the kids go to a friend or family member's for a day, and spend that day working on the house. moving can be frustrating, but just think of how relieved you will be when you're all settled in to your new house!
2006-12-10 20:52:38 · answer #8 · answered by a 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You and the Kids need a schedule-
First off, you may want to consider a 1/2 day preschool for the 4 year old. She/He would really benefit from the contact with other children and would start learning his/her basics before kindergarten...always a good thing. If you're not going to do that, try this...
THE NIGHT BEFORE
1) In the evening, play the "clean up game" with the 4 and 2 year old. Have Dad watch the Newborn while you 3 take laundry baskets and pick up all the toys and junk that's laying around on the floor. Whoever piks up the most the fastes wins a sticker (of course, they both win a sticker). Put the sticker on a chart and when they get X amount of stickers, they get something special. Then take them for their baths, read them a book and put them to bed.
2) Now do the breafast preperation for the next day. If your newborn takes bottles, have all the bottles ready to go for the next day...Don't give choices for breakfast, if they like cereal- stick with cereal. If they like oatmeal, stick with oatmeal. Make life easier on yourself.
3) Newborn still with Dad? Take a bath and get yourself ready for bed. Then put the newborn down...
THE NEXT DAY....
1) Do Breakfast, leave the dishes and do a activity with the 4 and 2 year old...call it- Morning School or Mommy Time or Craft Time...or something like that- then do something cool with them. Color, playdough, glue leaves on paper, make hats...you can even help them learn their colors by making every morning a "color" morning!
2) Then (if you believe in videos) put on a video or PBS and have them watch it while you do the dishes and tidy up the kitchen
3) Start to prepare Lunch- if you need more time, pop in another video. Clean up around them as they eat but make sure you sit and eat with them for at least a little while
4) After Lunch- it's OUTSIDE TIME...park or backyard, whatever works for you. Run them ragged until they pass out.
5) Nap time- Do the best you can to tidy up while they are sleeping. Prep for dinner
6) Kids are awake- plan another activity...
7) Dinner- let them help you get dinner ready. Give them somple things to do like set the table, wash veggies, etc..
8) Daddy's home! Hun- I need to finish dinner, if you want to eat, you'll help with the kids...
9) after dinner - clean up while dad plays with them and then start the "pick up the toys" game!
2006-12-10 21:13:27 · answer #9 · answered by preciouspinkla 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
well first take a breath an do one thing at a time you should get the younger kids something alike like the same toy or book maybe they would get along better.They wouldn't have to fight about things if they are the same try that it might work and for the baby get him an musical toy they would keep him calm and quiet
2006-12-10 20:54:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋