I am a 34 year old mother of 4 and I work 50 hours a week, I go to school which with study time is about 10 hours a week, I cook and clean and make sure everyones needs are met, but yet, on Saturday and Sunday while everyone else sleeps in and watches the football games I am busting my butt to make sure the house is clean and their is food in the house. No one helps me unless I throw a fit. Any ideas on how to motivate my family to help me and make them stop thinking of me as super woman?
2007-11-26 09:46:09 · 7 answers · asked by married with kids 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I have made a chore list, I have followed them around to make sure it gets done, but good grief in the amount of time it takes to follow and tell I could have it done. I am absolutely exhausted and tired of lazy kids and husband. I have 3 teens and one 6 year old.
2007-11-26 10:05:23 · update #1
Your new mantra is, “If the mama ain’t happy, then NOBODY is happy.” The mama is the ultimate authority. You must step into your power as such.
You need to stomp some fanny.
Tell them that these chores had better be done when you get home or they will have PEANUT BUTTER FOR DINNER. Believe me, after a week of that, they will comply.
You are not their maid, nor their slave. You are working and going to school. The job pays current bills and the school will help you get a better job. Better job = more money in the house!
The teens are old enough to pick up after themselves and to each handle several common area maintenance chores. Somebody can bloody well start dinner. Just take the appropriate meat out of the freezer along with the appropriate sides and have the appointed person start that when they get home.
2007-11-26 10:31:21 · answer #1 · answered by revsuzanne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi... gee, you sure do have a lot on your plate! I do not envy you a bit!
Depending upon the ages of your kids, you could assign them each a few weekly chores... things like taking out the garbage and replacing garbage bags... keeping dishes cleaned and put away and wiping off the kitchen table for examples -- easy things which may save you time. You could also have them vacuum their own rooms... i feel that 1/2 hour to an hour of chores for children who are old enough to help, isn't asking too much. They could also learn to clean up after themselves...
You might also ask for help bringing the groceries inside.
I think it's OK to expect husbands and children to help... after all, they LIVE in the same house, so should share some of the load...
It takes quite a lot of guts to do what you are doing (going back to school is a lot of work!). You deserve a big applaud, that's for sure!
take care and i hope you will get some good answers here.
2007-11-26 09:56:34 · answer #2 · answered by letterstoheather 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not sure if it's really about "having less" of something as much as it's having a better understanding of what's really important. And not sure it's about sacrificing as much as it is about being thankful for what you have. And enjoying it. Assess what really makes you happy, and keep things in perspective. Volunteer. As much as I hate it- being honest- it's a reality check to see people not only cope, but be happy in dire circumstances. If you think something or someone is wasteful or negative, get rid of it. If something or someone brings you joy, appreciate it. Can't get simpler or a more fulfilling life than surrounding yourself with things that you are happy to see, and are appreciative to have.
2016-05-26 01:07:12 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lady, you need to learn how to delegate. Give everyone a job and see to it that they do it. There should be consequences if they do not follow through. Stop playing the martyr and get real. Maybe you secretly enjoy being supermom. I am sure you will get lots of good suggestions, so pick a few and follow them.
2007-11-26 10:00:46 · answer #4 · answered by oldknowitall 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
its a very lovable to have you as a mum. you are a great mum. but a great mum dont have to be a great robot! mum is a human being and not a robot. tell your children you have limit. and you need a break. instead of doing all the housecore what if you make it less. and when your childrens ask you mum why this why that.. just answer you are tired and you need a rest. someday they will understand. just be patience.
2007-11-26 09:59:34 · answer #5 · answered by Marisa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stop doing everything that you do. If you don't cook do you think they will starve of course not they will get something themselves. I am not saying stop everything but the simple things that they don't appreciate. Eventually they will catch on.
Oh and sleep in on one of those days. They will get the hint. Don't waste your breath on deaf ears.
2007-11-26 09:52:18 · answer #6 · answered by mariarh79 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
don't throw a fit....just stop doing some things......
instead of shopping, watch the football game....when they get hungry tell them there is nothing to eat cause nobody went shopping.....
instead of doing their cloths washing, just do yours....
get the idea?
2007-11-26 09:52:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋