advice please?

Question

Ok I work full time and have a husband and two kids the things i want to know is some tricks too keep up on the house,kids husband est.. I work pm shifts so just need some ideas on how to run house, simple house work my husband helps but he works full time as well he works am shift so hes tired when he gets home. He keeps the kids whaile i'm at work. So please some advice.

Answer 1

Keep it simple. No clutter, no magazines, or letters all over the place, use vinyl tablecloths with no mats so its just a wipe down. Stay organized and throw out newpapers as soon as read, yes, put them in the recycle bin in the garage if possible, but don't leave them in the house. Keep you horizontal spaces clear. thats tabletops counter tops etc. Keep your bed making simple as plumping pillows and shaking out the blanket, but always make your bed. I keep containers of wipes for furniture bath and glass in appropriate rooms, so I can wipe clean when I have a minute or two without searching for cleaning supplies. Vacuum at least once a week, train the kids to keep the door to their room closed and no toys anywhere else in the house, unless of course you have a playroom. No eating anywhere but the kitchen, except you of course. Keeping kid mess isolated is the best thing you can do for yourself outside of training yourself to clean as you go in the kitchen, if you don't have a dishwasher... get a portable. Yes you have to make rules, but in time the new rule becomes the old habit, and if your kids see you making the effort they will to.

Answer 2

If it's possible at all, put the kids in daycare for at least 1/2 the day so he can get some rest and you can too.

I'm a full time nursing student and single mom of 2. My house is not perfect. I vacuum once a week instead of every day like I prefer. I cook meals ahead and freeze them (Walmart has a Seal a Meal for under $60 that works great for this). I throw in a load of laundry before I leave and dry it when I get home. I dust using the vacuum or give the kids a swiffer duster and let them have at it. Keep the bathroom neat, by wiping the mirrors after your shower and wiping down the sink. The toilet can be done right before bed. Just put in the cleaner, swish and let it sit over night. In the morning, just flush.

Answer 3

I've been there and done that too - I hope this helps. I never gave my kids an allowance but I did pay them for doing chores around the house. I raised my kids to pretty much take care of themselves - ie lay out your clothes and homework the night before. When you cook a dinner that can be later frozen, cook for two meals and freeze one. Organize your driving so you go in a circle instead of zig zagging back and forth. Post when you are going to a special store ie Home Depot --- anybody need anything, batteries, etc. When you walk through a room pick things up that are out of place but belong where you are going. It's all a matter of habits - teach the rest of the family to do the same. House rule - "you dirty a dish or kitchen counter you clean it up". When cooking do the dishes used to make the meal as you go along instead of leaving all for after the meal. Organize your day don't just go helter skelter. Good Luck!!!

Answer 4

You give your husband the excuse of working full time, yet you also work full time. You probably do the lion's share of taking care of the kids. List all the chores by daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly on separate index cards. (This idea is from a great book called "Side-Tracked Home Executives"). Then put the day of the week you want them to be done on for the dailies and put them in a recipe card holder. You can color code them if you like.

Do your best to get that day's done, but if it isn't don't sweat it! The other spouse can see that the card is still there and not done and can help. Eventually you'll find who does what best and easiest. You can find Side-Tracked Home Executives at www.amazon.com.

Answer 5

Try sitting down and making a schedule out as a family that you can all agree on. Make plans for you and your husband like a "date nite" alone and a family nite for all of you to do something together. Maybe you could plan a few hours, day or evening for the kids with a grandparent or relatives for a break as well.

Are the kids old enough to pick up there toys, make their own beds help out with chores? If they are, set up a rewards system for when they do their chores. That way the kids will look forward to being able to help out.

Try making lunches, getting clothes out, and anything ready for the morning, the nite before.. so it will be ready in advance.

When you go shopping plan out a shopping list to save you time and plan on buying things for lunch and for snacks that way it can help you out on cost of buying snacks at work.

Look at ways you can organize things and make things easier for storage. If the kids can do things on there own and are able to, put the items where they can reach them.

One thing I have found if you find something that the kids like and enjoy like a movie or a game they can play it will allow you time to yourself as well. It is also a good idea to find time for yourself and your husband his self as well. So maybe you can take turn allowing each other a "break". good luck

Answer 6

If you can afford it have a maid service come in once or twice a month to get at the floors, bathrooms etc that way you can concentrate on light dusting laundry and cooking. I do alittle each night so things don't pile up but if I'm tired I don't worry so much anymore. I keep it clean but I don't run myself ragged trying to be Martha Stewart.

Answer 7

Line all your plates pans and the like in tin foil,[not is the microwave]
and then clean up is as simple as that. Other than that you are going to have to wait until your kids can motivate on there own :-]

Answer 8

how old is ur kids?phrase n reward them on doing housework to make it a habit.u n ur hubby should cooperate n advise ur kids to do homework,don't pet them too much,but give them only light works like house cleaning,tidying up dishes,plates n bowls etc.don't ask them touching any electrical items n sharp items like knife etc.in short u must teach them about dos n don'ts.

best wishes.

Answer 9

1st CUTE BABY.
I SORRY IT SOUNDS TO ME THAT YOUR BOTH WORKING TOGETHER. YOUR SAVING MONEY ON BABY SITTER'S AND DAY CARE. DO YOU HAVE FAMILY CLOSE OR FRIENDS YOU TRUST& IF SO TRY TO ARANGE FOR ONCE OR TWICE SEE IF THEY WATCH SO YOU CAN SPEND QUALITY TIME AS WELL TOGETHER .REMEMBER YOU BOTH ARE LIKE OH SO MANY OTHER COUPLES LIKE YOURSELFS.

Answer 10

get a full time nanny and maid