How do we fit everything in.?  

Hi thanks for your reply goodness how do you do it.I think I must be getting old.

I certainly have days where things don't get done. I dedicate 1 solid hour to housework every day no mattter what else is going on, that way I can stay on top of things. Not letting things get to out of hand is the secret.

lets just hope everyone appreciates all the effort you put in.I am sure they love you for it.Although small kids don't realise.

I did use to work full time with my first family and when I look back it amazes me how I did it.

I know what u mean, Sue. I think i told u i raised both my sons by myself & it was a job but we can do alot when we have it to do. Happy days to u.

My only regret is I did not have the time to love them more,as they grow so quick.I try to make it up to my daughter.Helping her with her kids connor and katie treating them and spending real quality time with them,only books and cuddles for an hour then off to the park.Katie did a list of her best friends for her birthday party and Nanny Dave as she calls me was number five on her list.I was so touched to make her top ten.So as far as I am concerned it was worth every minute and would gladly do it all again.

AWWWWWWW, THAT'S SWEET TO MAKE HER LIST. Bet u got the bighead over that, lol.

Most men just do not realise how hard it is to keep the place nice and all the jobs that have to be done.Not just the dusting,but cleaning the bathroom,cleaning the windows,cleaning the cooker the list goes on and on.It is a real culture shock for them.

I am like you sometimes you do miss the old days but I am learning to put myself first .When I spend a day with my daughter helping her with the two kids ,I come home exhausted and need a couple of easy days,keeping quiet.I think we have done our time but it is the happy memories that come flooding back but it is the hard work we forget about.

I would not have missed those days for the world,when the kids were small it was entertaining with their antics,making sure they ate the right food,bath time,what they used to come with and how they percieve the world.They do grow fast but beleave me they will still need you.My son is sixteen and is studing for his A levels so he can go to university.The drama's continue with how much they weigh,how big their muscles are,trying to get their hair right.Wearing the right clothes I sometimes think girls are so much easier than boys,beleave me you still have plenty to come yet.

I know exactly what you mean,upstairs tend to get left and my son is sixteen and he is quiet tidy so I have no excuse at all.I think I have just worn myself out over the years.My first husband used to be a lazy so and so and I had to work several jobs and look after the kids ,clean house,until I had enough and he went back to his mums.Things are much better know with my new husband sixteen years of bliss.He was worth waiting for,although I could have done with him a few years earlier.

I never meant to critize anyones life style and I am sure your kids are fine.It sounds like you had no choice and am sure your kids really love you for all the effort you must have put in.I was like you with my first family,first husband was a waste of space now things are much better for me with my second family.I must agree with certain aspects of your theory on mums staying at home.Men have the jobs,the trouble is these days the girls are told they can have the best of both worlds and really it is not true.Me time they call it,heavens I went fifteen years without a moment to myself at one stage,now they have a divorce if they cannot have thier trips to the gym.girls nights out it is not just the girls it is the boys as well.I think there should be lessons on bringing kids up at school and how me time is a thing you might be able to have after the kids are about fourteen.Then they would be better educated and realise what they have let themselfs in for.

I agree with the education!! Girls think babies will love them and guys think siring a child makes them a man. Wrong! Children are hard but rewarding work, I'm glad of every moment I had raising mine but I really wish someone had given me a realistic picture of what it would be like. I would have been a much better mother!

Same here ,when they are babies it is easy play,wash,feed,change a bit like a dolly,it was when they would not do as you asked,as they just could not understand.I used to spend a lot of time outdoors playing ball,swings,swimming ect,So they were ready to look at a book or even have a nap so I could do the housework ect.I never forget looking after my grandaughter as a baby so mum could work a few days a week,as soon as they went to sleep boy did I get a wriggle on.We all doubt our efforts as mothers but beleave me you like me did our best.

Your husband sounds a bit like mine a real gem.Some Dads just don't realise just how hard it really is.After being up with a sick child then having to do a days work the next day and then come home and cook and so on.