Okay here’s the other question I get asked alot. How do I manage to get everything done? Well the truth is there is always washing to do, there is always dishes in the sink, there is always something to be done. Some days I manage it other days I don’t. What I have learnt is a basic flexible (you have to be flexible working this job) routine is ESSENTIAL. Well for me in any case I tried to wing it for a little while when my last baby was three months old and it ended up with the whole thing going to custard and they seriously considered carting me off to some kind of ward where someone does all the wiping for you.
The first time husband left for fifo in this industry my son was four days old and I was a new mum. To say I was nervous was a understatement. I had no support with the exception of the book which became my best friend ‘kid wrangling by Kaz Cooke’ I took what I needed as I do with all advice and discarded the rest. It was the only baby book I read and referred too.
Everyone says not to worry about a routine with babies especially newborns but I found starting a basic routine from day one was helpful not only for them but for me. It depended on each baby but I put in place a stricter but still flexible routine at six weeks and its continued ever since.
Here is our basic routine that we have followedfrom that day to this day.
I wake at 4.30-5am. Its at this time I have breakfast in peace which is important to me. I then put on a load of washing, fold and put washing away. I get lunches ready. Answer any emails and I always write husband a email at this time. I will often try and get some exercise done on my runner- exercise is essential.
7am-8am The boys wake, they dress and have breakfast.
800am I hang the washing and they have a play before B1 does some homework (b1 is 6 and in prep but I have him do ABC Reading eggs its been great for him). As babies I would bathe and change them. While I was doing this my other babies would watch TV – TV isn’t bad its necessary for your sanity in our case.
830am B1 is off to school (we live across from the school so easy). My other two babies play while I get morning tea ready for every one. As babies we would play and have a bit of tummy time.
900am Morning tea for everyone. We chat. As babies I would feed then change and put down for a nap.
930am Dishes. Boys play. Babies would sleep and I would go nuts for the next hour and half vacuming and doing floors.
11ooam-123opm I start getting lunch ready. babies would wake and I would put them on the floor for some play. We have lunch. As babies I would feed then I would have lunch.
1230pm We all lie down, read a couple of books and I have a 15-20 min nap.
100pm I get up and finish any chores I want and then enjoy the peace for a little while.
300pm B3 gets home from school and we have morning tea and chat about his day and ours. Babies would be fed changed.
330pm I send the boys outside so I can finish tidying up and finish getting dinner ready.
400pm We go for our afternoon activities. Monday is nothing we play in the garden, Tuesday is our takeaway night at macca’s, Wednesday we go to the library, Thursday swimming, Friday movie night. When the boys where babies I would start there bath feed and book read and they would be asleep in bed by 6pm.
50o-6pm we have dinner and showers for the boys
600pm boys watch tv while I feed the dogs, tidy up and have a shower myself.
700pm boys are in bed. We read a book and then I chat individually to them about what ever they want.
730-930 that time is mine to do what ever. Paint toenails what ever.
The key is being flexible and with babies don’t be afraid to put them down on the ground and letting them cry. If they are safe they are okay. Arsenic hour as babies (the time just before bed) is the hardest when you have other children so that’s when you need to be prepared and ready to somewhat block out the crying. I should also mention that I have my two youngest boys in daycare every Tuesday which is when I get the shopping and all the other errands where taking three kids is a nightmare done. If you have support such as family use them. I didnt and I was to afraid to ask my friends for help. Dont be.
It gets easier as they get older. The children can take on more responsibilties and be more helpful. Routine is less strict but an order is good.
So this is what worked for me but every family is different.
Thank you my friends
Xxd
