How do you find the time?

[bshaw96]

I have not worked full time since my daughter was born almost 7 years ago. Ive generally been working about 2 days a week, and usually that on the weekend. Then my son was born. He will be 4 next month and starting preschool. It has also become necessary for me to go back to work full time. I will work 7-3 40 hours a week. More than likely, I wont be out til 4 though. I am not worried so much about adjusting to that, as I am adjusting to not having enough time in the day to get "home stuff" done. How do you moms and dads who work full time find time to do that, plus homework, dinner, family time, devotional time, recreation time, etc? Any input appreciated, thanks!

 

[mamaneenie]

I don't work outside the home as a norm, but I have had times where I have had to take part time short term jobs in the past. Is it possible to work out with your husband that you will need a bit more help in the house, now that you are working full time, and draw up a chart of what needs to be done each week. Also is it possible to have a cleaner come in - even if it's only once a month to give everything a good scrub out.

What I used to do, is always make meals in bulk so that you can freeze what you don't eat. Then you don't have to worry about the evening meals. As far as washing and all that goes, drip dry anything you possibly can so you don't have to iron it. Maybe do the washing in the evening, and hang it on the airer once your kids go to bed. That's something I do if I know I'm going to be out all day.

Also, your children sound old enough to help with a few basic chores such as making sure their toys are picked up in the evening (with supervision) and things like that.

 

[BeanMak]

The most important thing is to understand that it "all" CAN'T get done. Set priorities. If you don't sort out what is important to you, and what can fall by the wayside, you will make yourself crazy! The floor only may get washed every 2 weeks. Cooking in bulk is a great idea. On Saturday I will often make a pot of spaghetti sauce for the freezer while I am making something else to eat for dinner that night. Simplify meals- there is nothing wrong with french toast and sausage for dinner. Have the kids sitting at the kitchen table doing homework while you are making the dinner.
Deligate. My husband did the laundry. Get the kids going on chores!
At 7 or 8 years old, your daughter can set and clear the table. My Gran had me dusting furniture at that age.

 

[HappyMomof4]

I agree with cutting down on the house work. You probably don't want to or can't cut down on anything else. Some things are just more important (like devotional, family, or recreation time). Clean the house less often. It will still get done eventually.

 

[Gwenyfur]

I know it's hard to find time for everything. From spring to winter I work heavy contruction. From sunup to 4 or 5 in the evening...somtimes later. We always know to be there at 6 and never know when we're getting off. I am also the pianist for our church and the stage director for our drama troupe.

When that schedule first started I struggled trying to find time for everything. So, I get up early, in order to have my time with God. I get up at 4:00am. When I get home, depending on the time, the DH will fix dinner, or if I'm home early, I will. We sit at the table together, no matter what. If I'm going to be late, DH will give the kids their dinner...and then they'll have dessert at the table with mom and dad when I get home...but we *always* sit to the table. It gives us a chance to hear what they've done, what's up with their friends, school work etc.

On the weekends is where I get the quality time with the kids. That and days we get rained out of working I take them with me for the weekly grocery shopping, we might grab a movie or go to an amusement park,the museum, the symphony, or even roller skating (at my age...sometimes a dangerous activity LOL). But, I find something to do with them.

Sundays are just plain crazy around here. Sunday morning sunday school and church, back to the church by 4 for drama practice. My oldest is a member of the troupe as well and we're there until evening services are over around 8. Yes, we eat crock pot meals on Sunday. There's no other way to manage it except before going to bed on Sat, loading up the crock pot.

Yes, I admit it's busy, hectice and even a little frantic around here at times...but God's grace seems to keep it at a pace where none of us are overwhelmed or feeling neglected. My children understand that without both mom and dad working we wouldn't have a place to live, or food on the table. They like to eat, so we all make adjustments.

Anyway, my point...

I don't always know where the time is going to come from, God's grace just seems to "stretch" the time I do have.

God Bless