How to juggle being a mom, housewife and dieter??

KaciWood19

Hello all! I'm looking for some advice on how to tame a busy schedule!!! Currently, my boyfriend is a USAF Fireman and his schedule is 48 on, 72 off. On the days he's home from work, everything is so much smoother! He's there to help get our 4 year old in the shower, and to bed and swim lessons and baseball and to help with "homework" (which btw giving a pre-schooler homework is ridiculous!!! but thats beside's the point ) On the days my sweetie is at work however, I feel so overwhelmed. Even on the nights that are most basic consisting of cooking dinner, doing the dishes, and some laundry, I still feel so exhausted that I have no energy to work out after all is said and done. and because I'm so tired I loose sleep which makes it so hard to get up in the morning... AH I guess I'm just looking for any parents out there who somehow keep it all together? How do you get everything done in a day that you need to and still get a good nights sleep??

wiggleroom

Could you make some meals to stash in the freezer on the days your man is around? Then your food prep (and cleanup!) would be much less on the days he's at work.

As for the good night's sleep -- I used to really struggle with falling asleep at night, with my brain running at 150 mph. I started reading a page or two of a novel as I lie in bed, and it really works. My brain forgets to think about my own life, I guess, because it's been distracted by fiction!

cahira

I have to stick to a schedule. For example today's schedule: 6:30 wake-up, feed boys, pack lunches, get boys to school by 7:30. 7:45-8:45 is workout time, and then I eat breakfast and shower and get ready to go to work at the yarnstore at 10am. I only work one day a week. On the other weekdays I do the same thing and then by 9:30 I am doing housecleaning and starting laundry. I get **way** more done when the boys are in school than I do once I pick them up. By 3pm most days we are home and I supervise homework and put away any leftover laundry and the like. And I try really hard to start dinner (or know what I am doing) by 4:30-5pm. After dinner we have activities some nights and on the off nights we try to do a family bike ride if the weather is nice.

I think the best thing is to decide what your priorities are (mine right now is running!) and then schedule the rest of your day around them.

mbeach1977

I feel you! I have 4 kids and babysit a 16 month old, and decorate cakes. When you figure out how to get it all done let me know! I don't know what I'd do without my hubby's help! I'm thankful that he does a lot!

carrie_lebel

Hi,

I am a at home mom with a husband that is in Wildlife law enforcement. At times he is gone all day and night. And I have two kids there are many times that I turn into the single parent . I have learned that I can't bite off more than I can chew. Swim lessons and baseball? Maybe too much if you can't handle it. My kids get one activity a season and that is it, because I refuse to run around like a chicken with my head cut off. I really don't care what everybody else is doing out there but I believe that my family is more less stressed when they are home and hanging out not involved in many activities. I don't care if my kids don't turn out to be the super athletic superstar because I rather hang out with them.. Regarding Preschool I would find another... or tell the teacher to bugger off.... what are they going to do fail him? Good Luck I hope you find balance.

fabulousfebe

It might help if you put yourself on a scheule. Planning helps...even when interruptions happen. Make a point to get up early to exercise maybe 30 minutes, if you're new to exercising or haven't done it in awhile, you may want to start with 10 minutes and work your way up. Experts say exercise in the morning gives you energy throughout the day and helps brain function and all that kinda stuff. LOL Remember changing your lifestyle is mind game...you have to change your mind to change your habits/routine, to change your life. You can do it... take small steps...only do what you can do...make sure not to over schedule yourself. Best of success to you!!

fabulousfebe

excellent advice!

FJMilner

I'm a single mum of 2 boys who works full time also! It is difficult to fit everything in, but with a bit of juggling I manage to fit in work, housework, running, time with the boys and still have a smile on my face :-D!! Its all about priorising, deciding if the floor really needs hoovering twice a day and the pots always washed the minute dinner is finished or is it more important to spend time with your family and make time for you!?!? My house certainly has "that lived in" look, but its clean and respectable, my boys are happy and I'm on my way to a fitter, healthier lifestyle. Do you have friends or family that can help out with anything? Or even just be around to support you whilst you cook dinner/wash pots/iron!? Its amazing what a difference having a friend there makes even if you're doing something really mundane. Im sure if you get a routine in place and try and get some exercise in, your energy levels will increase.....good luck :-D

arw3b3

I am a stay at home mom and although I am not single. my fiance doesn't do anything around the house or with the kids. It is hard to get everything done and still have time to myself and go to bed at a decent time. I usually have everything done around the house by the time the kids go to bed at 8 and if I wanted to give up my me time I could go to bed early. however. if I don't get that me time it is not pretty for anyone. I have found that my bosy is used to going to bed at midnight and waking at 6:45 although it does take a toll sometimes. Do you work outside the home? If so I would definitely consider the preparing meals ahead of time to minimize the nighttime duties. Are you able to workout on your lunch breaks or at anytime during the day? I usually do my workout during my sons naptime or if the weather permits taking him for a walk in his stroller in the morning. Also a consistent routine is very helpful as it helps everyone to know what happens next.

Good luck:)

LindsayChick

I'm not a mom but am a medical student and work long hours. I've found it makes meals SO much easier when I meal plan at the beginning of the week. Each weekend I decide what we're eating Monday-Thurs and plan out all 4 meals, complete w/ a grocery list of the ingredients I need that week for lunches and dinner. Knowing what you're having and having all ingredients on hand is the majority of the battle, I think. Also, I try to pre as much the night before. Good luck!

morefitmom

I have three girls and my husband works nights so I know what you mean. I sleep a lot better when I work out before I go to bed. If I am unable to get working in out during my work day then I get everyone to bed early so that I can have some time. Most of the time 30-45 minutes is all that I need to get in a good workout. Also the early prep of meals mentioned by wiggleroom are critical. Crockpot meals are a GOD SENT!! You would be surprised at what you could do in that thing.


Good luck!

shakemybooty

I have three kids 2, 5, and 11. I get up before them to work out. My days are calm until they get out of school. Then we are running every where for every sport under the sun. By bath time I'm dead to the world. I will say I have so much more energy since I started getting up earlier and working out though. It really does help. Plus I feel like it's "me time".

FYI-While I was typing this, my kids who have been ready for school for 40 minutes, were late getting to the bus because none of us looked at the clock.

A+ parenting moment of the day. **sigh**

KaciWood19

That is a very good idea. I remember my grandmother doing Cassaroles and such and freezing them. thank you!! I'm a book nerd, I could never read just a few pages, lol! I end up reading the whole book! Do you have lights on in your room when you're trying to fall asleep? I've found that if the room is pitch black, not even the alarm clock or smoke alarm lights, then I fall asleep so much smoother!

frdw

My hubby works out of town most weeks and is only home on weekends, so again, I get where you're coming from. I do my best to work out in the morning, so that it is done and I don't find excuses to not do it. It was really tough forcing myself out of bed an hour early for the first couple of weeks, and i was tired (even more so than normal) but now that I've been doing it a few weeks, it is a lot easier and I am sleeping a lot better.

I also meal plan. I sit down every two weeks and write up a menu based on what's happening in our lives. some nights it's quick and easy meals, when I have more time, I make stuff that involves more effort. and then I have no excuse to not make healthy meals. You could certainly plan that around when your BF is working and not.

I certainly don't think I've got it all together (one look around my house confirms it) but letting the housework slide some days so that I can get healthy will, overall, make me a better wife and mom to my boys.

KaciWood19

a schedule is definately sounding like the way to go! I tried making his lunch the night before and things like that and it really helped. I need to get back into a routine. Do you run in the mornings??

KaciWood19

Hi,

I am a at home mom with a husband that is in Wildlife law enforcement. At times he is gone all day and night. And I have two kids there are many times that I turn into the single parent . I have learned that I can't bite off more than I can chew. Swim lessons and baseball? Maybe too much if you can't handle it. My kids get one activity a season and that is it, because I refuse to run around like a chicken with my head cut off. I really don't care what everybody else is doing out there but I believe that my family is more less stressed when they are home and hanging out not involved in many activities. I don't care if my kids don't turn out to be the super athletic superstar because I rather hang out with them.. Regarding Preschool I would find another... or tell the teacher to bugger off.... what are they going to do fail him? Good Luck I hope you find balance.

He's been at the preschool since he was like 2, he loves it there. The homework is usually just like gluing stuff together and cutting stuff out, but it's something that we sit with him and help him do neatly and stuff. Usually its only once a week, but seriously!

CMomma23

I have to stick to a schedule. For example today's schedule: 6:30 wake-up, feed boys, pack lunches, get boys to school by 7:30. 7:45-8:45 is workout time, and then I eat breakfast and shower and get ready to go to work at the yarnstore at 10am. I only work one day a week. On the other weekdays I do the same thing and then by 9:30 I am doing housecleaning and starting laundry. I get **way** more done when the boys are in school than I do once I pick them up. By 3pm most days we are home and I supervise homework and put away any leftover laundry and the like. And I try really hard to start dinner (or know what I am doing) by 4:30-5pm. After dinner we have activities some nights and on the off nights we try to do a family bike ride if the weather is nice.

I think the best thing is to decide what your priorities are (mine right now is running!) and then schedule the rest of your day around them.

The above is so true for me also. Although, keep in mind that our schedules should be flexible (to include doctor, dentist appts, etc) I have 3 children (9, 6, &1) and baby sit an infant part time. So I can definately relate to "business" I have always read and heard that it is best to exercise in the morning, because exercise "wakes you up" If you wait too late in the evening to exercise it may cause you to lose sleep. Also, I noticed that on days that I do exercise, I fall asleep much quicker than on days I may skip. So once you get started you may find it easier to fall asleep in the evenings, which in turn will help you wake up earlier in the mornings Much luck to you.

avoisinet

I'm a mom with a 4 yr old and 2 yr old boys. I run a company that requires me to work at minimum 40 hours a week and then I go home and make dinner, give baths, read books, all the things my kids need. I made a decision about two months ago I really need some me time...mostly as a stress reliever and I tell you my work outs have made me a better person and mom. I don't yell or get as stressed out as I used too. I think for me it's about schedules and choices. I make a choice everyday to do as much as I can and let the little stuff go when possible. I want me boys to grow up eating the right things and seeing their parents working really hard to accomplish something important to them. So some nights I have it in me to make dinnner...and sometimes it's whatever we can throw together. I am not a meal maker on Sunday for meals throughout the week, but I have recently (which has helped) picked out 4 receipes for the week (one night off with just eating leftovers or whatever) and then picked up the groceries I need for those meals only on Sundays. Then I know what I will make each day and it's not as much of a challenge. I also am not wasting food which is important. Don't beat yourself up when it does not work for a day. Take a step back, relax and breath and start again tomorrow. Good luck.

Natalie0506

I'm a SAHM, and it can be tough to juggle everything. I still have not been able to workout consistently at the same time.Sometimes at night is the only time I have. Other times, I have time during the day while my 3 kids nap. It just really depends on what we have going on that day. I also get tired very easily. I will say this though: one child is MUCH simpler than 3. Get your son on a good schedule, and everything else will fall into place. If your son is in preschool, workout while he's in school. Or if you can, get up an hour before he does, and work out in the morning. For me, that's what works best, but we only have 1 shower, and my husband needs it the same time I would. As a SAHM, schedules will become your best friend!

KaciWood19

Thank you everyone for your advice. The meal plan definately sounds like something to do, as does possibly freezing some premade dinners. I am going to try going to bed at a decent hour and getting up to excercise in the morning as well. No more excuses! Thank you again, please add me as a friend if you'd life!

shreddingit

im on my own a lot too have a 7yr and 18month my husband works nights so he leaves at 9pm till 7am, then sleeps till 1pm goes to gym for 2hrs comes home eats then naps, then back to work! I workout when he leaves so im up till like 2am and get up at 7:30 and walk my kid to school, its a 45min walk...probably walking like a zombie...:laugh: ....so its just about not stressing and keeping positive, we are women we are strong!

Brandie6004

you're day sounds so busy! maybe on the weekends or days that your dh is home, you could make larger meals and freeze half of it? ...and on the days when he's at work you can pull out the meal to thaw. ...Or just do simple, one pot dinners. Over the years I've learned to do just a little bit every day (as far as cleaning goes) and to not stress about it. Also, if you feel you're kids are old enough give them some stuff to do.

My kiddos are bigger and can help out some so that's a big plus! I used to feel kinda guilty about giving my kids "chores" becasue I'm a sham; but really how are they going to learn to do anything if I don't let them? So slowly I have handed somethings off to my kids.

My 4yr old can easily help dust if I'm just 'dry' dusting w one of those swiffer things. ...and she helps w her laundry (she matches socks and her clothes that go in the dresser she puts away. I still have to fold for her tho.) She also helps to set/clear the table (i just need to put the plates and such on the table so she can reach. ...and she puts all the dog's toys back in the basket.

My 9yr old does lots more! He wipes-down the kids' bathroom upstairs and that makes going in to clean it so easy for me! He also helps by dusting and vacuuming the playroom, set/clear the table, unload the diswasher (what he can't reach I do, like the glasses) and sometimes dishes. He also takes the trash out and will pull the bins down to the street and back up. ...and he puts all his own laundry away (if I remind him too).

I don't have them help w the table or dishes or whatever everyday. Just a few times a week. I look at it this way, we are a family, a team, and we all need to work together. When my son starts to talk about how much he doesn't want to clean I show him my to do list and ask if wants to trade; that usually takes care of that (on day we traded; he was done being the grown-up by lunch!)

Oh, and w the laundry, each of them have a basket in their room, on Thursdays (laundry day because I don't want to have to worry about over the weekend) they bring their baskets down to the laundry-room. When the clothes are done I'll fold and put it all in the basket and they can carry it back up stairs.

As far as their bedrooms go. I don't even fight w them. They know what I expect; they know how to pick up their toys (yes even my four yr old knows where her barbies go). There have been times when they have missed out because their rooms weren't picked up. ((For some reason my son is much better at helping out with "community" areas of the house than he is about is room...???))


I love that my kids have learned that things don't just magicly get done and that mom works hard to do keep up on the house and everything in it. The house stays cleaner for longer now!

That's all I got... hope I said something that helps!

tobitude

I understand what it can be like to get everything done In a day and if you have to run them here and do that it takes up time also. This whole journey for us is learning to take time for ourselves for the better, not because we are being selfish. IMO does it really matter what time the dishes get washed? My suggestions for you is after dinner is all said and done and knowing you cant leave your child in the house alone while you excercise, so put him in a stroller and go walk for an a half an hour to an hour. A walk will help you slow done at the end of the busy day and dont worry about what is not done at home, it will be there when you back. You can also use baseball practice as a chance to excercise while he is preoccupied with another activity, just walk around the practice field while you are waiting.

Just a few thoughts, hope everything works out!!

SaLandrum

I'm not a mom but am a medical student and work long hours. I've found it makes meals SO much easier when I meal plan at the beginning of the week. Each weekend I decide what we're eating Monday-Thurs and plan out all 4 meals, complete w/ a grocery list of the ingredients I need that week for lunches and dinner. Knowing what you're having and having all ingredients on hand is the majority of the battle, I think. Also, I try to pre as much the night before. Good luck!

I second the Crockpot Meals ... they have been a godsend for my sanity too ....