Topic : 10/05 Moms: Cut the Chaos

I just wandered through that website and it's really awesome. "we can do anything for 15 minutes" ... turns out I'm a flylady and didn't even know it since I HATE housework but I figure taking 15 minutes in the morning and again 3 other times of the day isn't so hard. If I had to spend a full hour doing something I don't like, I'd likely just keep putting it off.  

Thanks for this resource :) and welcome 

I honestly don't know how you do it. I know it can be done because my best friend was in the same situation and, like you, she was a true single parent who did everything by herself. She's raised an amazing 18 year old and she's my hero. I have a true partner in marriage so I've never had to be an only parent.  

I'm just replying because I wanted to tell you there are parents out here who know we have it very good and who sit in wonder at women who shoulder the entire burden with love and joy.  

I am a stay at home mom with 3 kids under 4 i have a set of twins that are 21/2 and a 4 year old to top it off my husband is active duty in the army so he is not here to help the litle bit of help i have all work full time so i am basicly stuck with them 24/7 i have no break my house stays a mess b/c no sooner i clean it they destroy it I am at my whits end and don't know what to do.  Please Help 

April 

I have to thank you for todays show.. i feel like i am a bit of all of your guests..i too am a military wife. i have 3 kids between 16 and 7 and it is nothing but clutter and chaos in our house.. 

i gave up trying to be the ultimate housewife years ago and now i found myself watching todays show still in my sweatshirt and pj bottoms... i have gone so far to say i was going to rent a dumpster and just start emptying out our house... thanks for a wonderful show...i am glad im not the only one driving my kids around in my pjs some days.. 

I was so blessed to be in a position where I could stay home. I had a great job that I loved and I was sure I wouldn't stop working after having my son but I found I just couldn't leave him. It took a lot of juggling and we moved an hour away from my husband's job so we could buy a smaller, less expensive home. We gave up our second car and a lot of the extras and that made it possible but it's not possible for everyone. 

There are a lot of people who must work. Single parents don't usually have an option of staying home and some two income couples couldn't cut enough to enable someone to stay home. There are also moms who choose to work and find good day care for their kids just because that's what they need to do to let them be great moms and complete people. 

I have a sister who is an amazing parent but she never has been a stay at home mom. She and my bro-in-law decided together that both would continue to work after they had children. She's always had great daycares for her kids and the time she spends with them is truly quality time. She's a better cook and housekeeper than I am and she's every bit as good a parent as I am even though she didn't stay home with her children. If you compare my two wonderful boys to her son and daughter, you wouldn't see any difference or get the feeling that one was nurtured better than the others because they all have had love and time and parenting.  

Being a stay at home mom has it's unique blessings and problems. I've had people talk down to me after they find out I'm a stay home mom but that doesn't happen often. I also got to go to all school outings and didn't miss a step.... how lucky can you get? :) I know my sister has had people ask why she works when she doesn't have to and I know how hard it is for her to balance her job and her children. Her kids always come first but she loves her job and works hard to maintain balance in both areas. 

Staying home is very honorable and well worth the challenges :) I wouldn't change a day I've been home with my guys but non stay at home parents also do an honorable job raising their kids and the shout out should be to anyone who decides to parent.  

Ginger- relax! What is the deal with the intercom??? My God- if you were yelling at me like that, I would be naughty too!!!! Your house is beautiful but who cares>>>???  

1. You have a hottie hubby- be nice to him or one of the girls at the office will be.... 

2.If driving the car pool kills you, HIRE one of the mothers to transport your kids- you'll have free time and she will make a few bucks. Do it for after school activities and make sure your kids are on a schedule with her/him (the driver) 

3. Hire a cleaning lady if having the house spotless all the time is important to you. Get someone to come in once, twice three times a week to do all that stuff. 

4.Get rid of the intercom.......NOWW 

5.Stop mopping the floor 2 times a day- get a rug or something...... 

6.You've got a 16 year old boy- listen to him once in a while! Maybe he would help if he had any idea you care about him. 

7.Get the kids all comforters for their beds-then they can just pull them up- all done! Room check???? You are spending so much time checking up on them, they must run when they see you coming!!! 

8Sit down, eat some popcorn with your husband and laugh a little- Life is too short to worry about whether the end table got dusted this week 

Hi April, 

 Don't lose hope!! You will come out the other side!! I had 6 kids from 0 to 8 years old, 3 of which were under 4. It was interesting but I'm still alive to tell about it. I have lots of suggestions to help you, but what is most important to you right now?? Having alone time? Having a tidy house? One thing at a time, one day at a time and sometimes 5 minutes at a time. My #1 rule, keep a good sense of humor!! 

Debbie 

thanks for the vote of confidence but no i do not have any familoy around nor am i near a base to get help therehopefully we will be moving soon he will either be station somewhere or he is goigng to irac should find out this week