2|2|I live with 2 2 year olds and a 15 month old...|redspecs|redspecs@bellsouth.net|19:55:48|01/21/2004|We have to give one of the twins medication twice a day. We had to wean her onto it, and we started giving it to her first at night, then in the morning as well. Giving it to her when she goes to bed is second nature for me, not the AM dose is hard for me to remember. DH finally decided he'd be the one to give it to her, since he's up getting ready for work anyway. Then for a while, although he said he'd give it to her, I had to make sure (for myself), and I'd call him and ask. This is her seizure med and we need to make sure she gets it, so it's worth me calling and confirming, rather than assuming he did and then her having a seizure b/c she didnt get her med. Anyway...I didnt want DH to think I didnt trust that he'd give it to her, but I still needed some type of "confirmation" that she did get it. Finally it dawned on me...I'd get a pill box and put the 2 tablets in it, and if I wondered in the AM if she'd had her medication, I could check the pill box. If she's had it, there is only 1 tablet in there. If there is 2, she hasnt and she needs it. A very simple solution, but something that affords me the comfort of knowing she's had her medication, and affords DH my not calling him every morning or one of us having to check w/the other about if she's had it or not.
Just curious what others do to make their lives easier... 1|1|Life easier? Is there such a thing??? LOL :) |q_pon_queen|fiftycentsorless@hotmail.com|19:52:00|01/21/2004|
Well, I live with a 2 year old...so just keeping things picked up (crayons, perm. markers, glue sticks, forks, knives, etc.) makes my life A LOT easier!!
2|2|I live with 2 2 year olds and a 15 month old...|redspecs|redspecs@bellsouth.net|19:55:48|01/21/2004|
among others, lol... 3|3|Simple things that make my life easier|GTSTANGGIRL|gt87stang@cox.net|20:33:26|01/21/2004|
One thing for sure is the mr.clean eraser. Oh how that has changed the world of crayon on fresh painted walls! Changes the landlords face too LOL.
I really cant think of anything else. I dont have kids on meds daily. But with 2 kids at home daily with me and another one at school i sure could use pointers on keeping my house clean at all times! Like that will ever happen LOL. Heather
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4|1|What makes my life easier|sarahjones|sarahjones@attbi.com|22:36:01|01/21/2004|
Posted on Jan-21-04 at 10:36 PM (Eastern) by 24.147.55.97
Is when my husband comes home from work he plays with all 3 children when he gets home so I have some sanity then LOL. I have a 10 month, 2 1/2 and a 5 year old.
5|1|Routine....|nascar_babe|nascar_babe@hotmail.com|23:19:08|01/21/2004|
I have 3 boys 5, 2.5 and 1.5 and it is all about routine. From the time they were born we had a set bedtime. It used to be 8:00, but now it is 7:00. (the latest they are ever in bed is 7:30, unless a special occation or something). Once they are in bed, it is our quiet time. we can play on the inet, watch movies, play games, anything...
We eat dinner at the same time each night, at the table and that is our family time. No tv, radio, just updates on everyones day. after bed, there is a few minutes of playtime and then off to bed. each boy gets to watch a short movie before falling asleep also.
My oldest is in school in the pm, and my middle son has speech therapy twice a month..our family also has bookoo health problems, so we go to the chiropractor 2x a week right now. That can make for a hectic day, but once again, routine is key.
The kids also have chores they do..even the 1.5 year old. They each clear their own places at the table, they help with laundry, dishes, and keeping their rooms clean. If they choose not to clean, they get grounded from video games, movies, friends, whatever it takes. They remail grounded until they CHOOSE to clean their rooms or do their chore.
One other thing that makes life easier is my husbands work schedule. He only works 17 out of 35 days and has 7 days off once a month. During those 7 days, we spend time cleaning up the entire house from top to bottom, so that we dont feel overcome by it all. My hubby is very understanding in my laziness, and luckily I found a man who cleans, cooks, and enjoys spending time with the kids.
Now, if only I could find ways to save money, and clean my puter area, that would make my day alot easier!
Shannyn 6|1|Crazy way I clean my house|Rayne667|Rayne667@aol.com|23:30:59|01/21/2004|
This crazy way I keep my house clean has become somewhat a ritual for me....Im not sure that it will help anyone but maybe give some people a laugh. I work at home and live with a 3 and 4 yr old (10 mo apart) and my 4 yr old has SID and ADHD. During the day I do no cleaning other than cleaning up the table from breakfast and lunch and just before I start dinner I do the dishes. At 7 pm I bath and put the babies to bed. I sit and watch tv or work on the computer until they are asleep. After they are asleep I start a wash and find what I want to watch on tv. Every commercial I get up and clean or do something until the commercial is over. After the first wash is out of the dryer I take it to my bed and watch tv from there while I fold the clotes and still every commercial I get up and go do whatever housework needs done. Im not sure how I came to this solution and it's crazy but by 11pm my work is done and the house is clean. Too me it seems easy. It helps that I am organized and have a place for everything and I've never been a packrat. But I do think I need a support group. LMBO
Deanna
http://www.woodcountyprojectlinus.com
7|2|you clean house like me :)|Poohbear817|vazquezd@mindspring.com|00:40:34|01/22/2004|
I do alot of house cleaning during commercials "" You know what they say whatever works for you. I also fold clothes while watching tv. I figure you may as well get something done while the commercials are on. Just want to let you know that you're not crazy or the only one who has a strange cleaning method.
Donna
8|3|I have 9 kids, work and go to school, building a new house, i am my own contractor|terrisfreebies|terrisfreebies@aol.com|00:54:50|01/22/2004|
My way is simple...I get up at 5, do laundry, take out something for dinner, clean house, then i go outsode and sit on the swing and smoke for a little while. I am back in by 6:30 when the kids leave for scholl , then i get my serious stuff going...I hit RS for a little while and browse around, and do house hold stuff a little each 30 minutes..I get 15 minutes on RS then 15 minutes to clean...After a few hours. I go clean my houses...( clean 3 a week...do them all one day, but when i don't go do houses i go to school...So usually back by 12 regardless..i come home and cook, while finishing laundry then i get to coupon....
Kids go to bed, i get back on here for a while....Maybe get to bed by 12 or 1 and then get up and strt all over again in the morning...No school or work tommorrow, get to check the sale ads and go to the grocery....
Darn i am tired just thinking about it :)
I keep containers aound the house..Do different chores each day, keep list of everything i have to do ...this is the only way i get it done..
Check Out the stuff I have to trade and my wishlist....
http://pages.ivillage.com/terrisfreebies/ 9|4|I do find it easier to do most cleaning at night|GTSTANGGIRL|gt87stang@cox.net|08:48:47|01/22/2004|
I had such a great routine in FL. Kids in bed by 8 at the very latest (really depended on their moods for the day) and then by 9 I would be up cleaning. I had a big kitchen that always needed to be moped so that was done nightly. I was a big clean freak in FL nothing could be out of place or I'd freak out. 2 cups in the sink put me on the war path. Then we move here to VA. We didnt have a place right away so we stayed with friends. We got a place and I killed myself for a week to get it all put together just the way I wanted. Then the hurricane. And since then I havent had it in me to do what I use to do. Cleaning some things gets put off. Laundry gets put off. Just the simple things really. Last sunday I finally had enough of looking at the 5 remaining boxes in my bedroom. I finally got a good nights sleep and said they are gone! All but 1 box is out of my room. That last lil' box is there waiting to be took out to the shed. Im trying to get back into a routine here and its hard. But it is easier to do the major cleaning after the kids are in bed. If you try during the day they just make a bigger mess and then tempers flare and its not worth it. Guess I'll just have to work harder at getting back into my routine and sticking to it like I use to. Heather
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10|4|terrisfreebies how do you go to bed at 1 and wake up at 5? |GTSTANGGIRL|gt87stang@cox.net|09:17:41|01/22/2004|
IF I could get up that soon after going to bed I'd be a grouch by noon and need a nap lol. All of you are right routine routine routine is the key point here. And after reading everyones post i started to tackle the lil' things (that kids wont bother after im done lol). Got 2 piles of laundry folded/hung. And some newspapers took outside to the trash and my deepfreezer that likes to collect just about anything cleaned off too. It dont seem like much but to me just one area in my house is cleaned and I feel better. The lil' things always ad up. Next will be the desk and my sewing area. Then my room ahhhhhhhhhh!!! LOL. Thanks for all the insperation ladies. It was like someone just gave me a kick in the butt and hubby will be happy too cause i've filled anouther box to be donated!! Heather
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11|1|Yes, it is all about routine|pumamomma|pumamomma@aol.com|09:59:16|01/22/2004|
I have 5 kids of varying ages (& a DH that is worse than all 5 kids) & they help with very little. However, I do whole-house MAJOR cleaning Spring & Fall (walls, cabinets, etc..the whole shabang)that they do help with. Once a month I get the older ones to help pull out furniture or whatever & vacuum/clean behind it. Weekly each room gets dusted, vacuumed, etc... Daily is picking up, straightening up, sweeping, meal prep & clean up, etc.... With a family of 7 I do about 2 loads of laundry every couple of days & then make sure EVERYTHING is washed by Sundays. For my laundry room I purchased (actually asked for them for Christmas one time) from Walmart a pvc pipe rack with hanging bags in them for clothes. I have attached labels to them as to which colors go in each basket this way I can monitor which one is fullest & get it washed right away & also eliminates having to sort out the clothes to be washed & also prevents me from having to lug laundry baskets from room to room. All household memebers know that if it isn't in those baskets it doesn't get washed! Works so nice & if the older kids need to wash a load I don't have to worry about things fadeing into others. After the clothes are washed, dryed & folded they are taken to each kids room & put on their bed & they put them away immediately. It is also about training of the kids, yes sure mine don't help with much house work but they have been trained from little on other routines, like teeth brushing, showering, washing hands before eating, putting their dirty dishes in dishwasher, putting dirty clothes were designated, proper locations for coats, shoes, and all types of things like that. And keeping their rooms clean & liveable is a MUST! I too have containers sitting around to toss things into (for example I have an 8 gallon Red Wing crock in my living room (because I do collect & display antiques) that I use to toss the little ones toys in. I use anything that will help with clutter & make life alittle easier (example: in the bathroom it can be a nightmare finding a system for 7 peoples bath towels so I purchased an over the door hanger thing with 7 hooks on it & it works slick. Helps the shower towels dry & stay smelling fresh. Thanks for letting me share what works for me. HTH 12|2|I think i am getting odl and needing less sleep... Also one day a week is major housecleaning..Sat morning me and all kids clean|terrisfreebies|terrisfreebies@aol.com|10:05:28|01/22/2004|
Check Out the stuff I have to trade and my wishlist....
http://pages.ivillage.com/terrisfreebies/ 14|2|I have 6 kids...5 under 10 and 1 over 35!|redspecs|redspecs@bellsouth.net|10:48:58|01/22/2004|
The best thing I have found is Flylady.net. I am not nearly as organized as I want to be, but she has helped. I'm not doing as much "flying" as I should be, but there's a change in my outlook on alot of things. Even though I'm not doing all the routines and other "exercies", I have it in the back of my head. I have cleaned my vheicle out more in the last few weeks than I have in my life. I look at what's in my vehicle and although I *see* the same thing, I *look* at it differently; it's more of a "Oh I need to pick a few things up in the van" rather than "I've got a mess that I need to clean up" and dreading the time it will take to clean it out. I'm doing better at (mentally) starting dinner earlier, rather than waiting until the last minute. Even though I've not done alot of the Flyday stuff, it seems so much easier to look at something and see it as picking up a few things and tidying up, rather than the being overwhlemed by the whole room.
My mother was not June Cleaner...nor am I or will I ever be. However, it dawned on me one day that the difference between us is she had 1 child (me, lol...there is 4 of us, but 10 years between me and the "youngest" one), and I have 5. Our house was not spotless but not a dump either. I'm trying to do better w/responsibilites for the kids. They are respnsible for cleaning the table and the floor (3 little ones under 3 makes a nice mess in the floor usually, lol) after we eat. I dont remember the last time I folded and put away clothes for the older 2...now I wash and dry and let them have them; theirs to fold and put up. I've struggled between "letting kids be kids" (by not making do housework) and teaching them to be responsible and be "part" of something and contributing. I am working on routines for them, as well as me.
18|3|I do flylady also, and for my kids routine, routine, routine....|Quietwaters|Quietwaters39@hotmail.com|08:13:34|01/23/2004|
every one has chores and set bed times, nap times ect. If they want to play video or computer games, they have to earn that time by doing extra chores. I also do a weekend job lists so they can earn some cash. They all have chores to do in the morning before they leave for school, when they say they are done I check over their stuff, if they leave something undone, (like not putting their toothbrush away,ect) they get an extra chore in the evening, (I find this really helps them remember.) 13|1|Forgot to mention|pumamomma|pumamomma@aol.com|10:31:54|01/22/2004|
I also work 3 hrs per day at our school, do before & after school daycare, clean 1 other house once a week & am forever running for kids from appointment to appointment, activity to activity. With the new year I have vowed to really try hard to take some time for MYSELF. 15|2|I would love to see my of your solutions also|tammytwo|jertamfol@msn.com|22:22:26|01/22/2004|
I have 3 kids, DH works 2 jobs (his full time job is nights and weekends), I work and go to school. So, I hardly ever have time to clean, exercise, or just take time for myself. I also get up early and go to bed at 1 or 2 am. There are just not enough hours in the day. :) 16|1|I have a few|carmen|cloudcars@itexas.net|22:51:45|01/22/2004|
homeschooling SAHM of 4 -- 3,9,10,12--9yr old is my only girl
there is a posted chore list--works for any month
chores are divided into 3 areas---
kitchen (which includes trash, floor, dishes, etc)
TV & Dining Rm (which includes clearing the table after meals)
Bathroom/Hallway/Porch
have 3 old enough to do them --so the month is divided from 1-10, 11-20, and 21-31
each child has the exact same chore for 10 days straight ---is responsible for the entire room each day in addition to their own bedrooms....eaCH must be straightened daily---and usually more than once--
i do wish i were like you girls with a set bedtime for the kids, so i could get some personal time
--since i homeschool , they basically get up when i get up and go to bed when i do--
that is my new goal --make them go to bed way before me , so i can unwind --relax--
thanks 4 the great ideas
Carmen Anderson
Comanche TX
17|2|that set bedtime is a lifesaver. |redspecs|redspecs@bellsouth.net|23:09:36|01/22/2004|
We had never set a bedtime for the older 2 girls...now it's a "fight"...somewhat of an effort on all of our parts to get them in bed at a certain time, routinely. We have a time set now, but it's not habit like the younger 3 are. They go to bed at 8:00pm without fail, unless we are not home for some reason, and that does not happen often...whatever we do outside the house ends in enough time for us to get home and have them in bed at 8:00.
We have a calender posted that has the assigned duties for each child, and they rotate weekly.
19|1|Here's some info on organizing|pumamomma|pumamomma@aol.com|10:16:24|01/23/2004|
Just thought I would share what I found. TY
Organize Your Children and Save Your Sanity
by Gregory Thomas
Making your children responsible for their belongings
It may be difficult to relate saving money with organization,
but the two terms really go hand in hand. If you are able to
organize right down to the smallest detail, then not only will
you save yourself countless panic headaches, but you will also
have more time on your hands allowing yourself to be more
productive and get more accomplished.
Organizing your own personal belongings can be a daunting task
in itself. However, if you're also trying to take care of all
your children's things, it can be an overwhelming, impossible
task.
When children are old enough and capable, they have a
responsibility to take care of their own belongings. This
includes (but not limited to) toys, clothes, bathroom items,
sports equipment, and of course, school books and supplies. It
should not be the parents' responsibility to clean their
child's room, or pick up their wet towels off the bathroom
floor. How is this teaching children to be responsible for
their own belongings?
If we teach our children how to be organized, this will lead
to a more productive and hopefully a more responsible child in
school and at home. However take note, if you expect your
children to be well organized, you must also do the same to
provide a good example, or "model," for them. As the saying
goes, "practice what you preach."
For the time being, we will focus on ideas to help organize
your children's plethora of gadgets, toys, clothes, games, and
whatever else may be piled up on the closet floor or under the
bed.
Color Coordinate Everything
The most important idea to incorporate into your family
lifestyle is to color coordinate everything. Regardless of how
many children you have, assign each one a specific color, such
as green, red, yellow, orange, etc.
The color you assign each of your children will go on every
item that belongs to that child. You will need to get a
permanent marker in each of your kid's colors so you can
mark/dot each and every item they own.
Here's a list of the most common items with which you'll want
to start out. Use this list as a starting point to help
harvest ideas that are relevant in your family's lifestyle.
- clothes
- toys
- towels
- bathroom utensils
- closet
- shoes
- games
- puzzles
- sports equipment
With their items, simply put a small colored dot/mark in an
inconspicuous area. For example, dot the toe or heel of all
socks, dot the collar tag of all shirts, dot the back of each
puzzle piece, and purchase toothbrushes and towels in your
child's assigned color.
Once everything is color coded, you can then quickly scan
rooms and bathrooms and see which one of your little angels
has left things out of place.
To quickly reinforce this new organization method, simply make
the rule that if you find items haphazardly strewn about,
you'll deduct 25 or 50 cents from their allowance. If that
isn't relative, they can always earn additional work like
washing a dish per item that is left out or "doggie clean-up
duty." After a few times, your children will start picking up
after themselves since they hate to lose money and play time,
right?
Again, these are merely suggestions. Adapt and change these
practices as you see fit.
Organizing Their Closet Space and Room
Let's face it, children are learning by trial and error unless
they have someone or something to model after. So naturally,
they are going to make their choices and decisions on what
they think is best.
If your child hasn't had much success maintaining an organized
closet, maybe it would be best to start from scratch. However,
before you clear out his closet completely to start
reorganizing, first observe what seems to be the problem area.
Are their clothes scattered on the ground? Are toys out of
place? What seems to be the messiest?
Each child will have different needs that have to be addressed
in order to have a clean, organized closet/room. Just like you
wouldn't ask a guitarist to play the guitar with only two
strings, you can't expect a child to put his/her things away
unless he or she has an actual "place" or container to put the
stuff in.
Take the time to teach your children where their "stuff" goes.
If they have trouble remembering, label the containers or
areas as needed. You may need to buy some inexpensive
containers. You can often find containers for a dollar at the
99-cent store or the Dollar Tree. (If you haven't been to one
of these stores yet, you are missing out on a ton of deals!)
Weekly Review
Once you have organized, color coded, and explained the new
procedures/laws that will now be enforced, have a "weekly
review" time where you can sit down with your child(ren) for
five to ten minutes. This would be the time when you go over
what you liked throughout the week and areas they may still
need to work a little bit on.
Keep in mind that children will need to be reminded about the
procedures you expect them to follow, so don't get frustrated
if they do not do a perfect job the first week or two. This is
a process that may take some time to internalize, but once
it's learned, your life, and your children's lives, will be
much more fluid and organized.
20|1|I work part time from home, have a 2 year old, two huge high maintenace dogs and one lazy husband LOL|mmj2236|sasha@mccarvill.mv.com|10:18:34|01/23/2004|
I usually organize my day the night before and make a list of what needs to get done. And I may get things set-up to get me going in the morning. So if I have to vacuum the first floor I bring the vacuum down stairs so its ready. Making a list of what has to be done keeps me focused on what really needs to happen..lord knows I get distracted easily.
I also am teaching my son how to do things around the house. He can't do alot yet but he loves to try and it keeps him out of trouble while I am cleaning. Soon he will be able to run the vacuum cleaner..hurray! Now if I can only teach the dogs to dust and mop with their tails I'll be all set.
One of my other sanity tricks is if I have a long day of housework or work work scheduled, I plan to order out or go out for dinner. That way I get a chance to relax, have a glass of wine and I don't feel so burdened with it all. This also gives me time to actually talk to my DH instead of running around getting things for the table during a meal.
Thanks,
Michelle
21|1|I have a chore chart for my 6 & 11 year olds. I also have a 2 year old and an 11 month old.|lindyb|lindybrackett@hotmail.com|11:25:44|01/23/2004|
By organizing the chart and checking it daily, I am able to enjoy my babies a little more. Each of my kids have a colored highlighter (blue for Collin, Pink for Morgan). They highlight their chore when it is done. The chores are given a point rating from 2 (not very difficult) up to 15 points (hard..time consuming chore). At the end of the week, we add up their points and I have a set payscale. They must have 230 points to get the full $10 allowance. The payscale goes down all the way to $1 for 99 points or less.
I work full time and my husband works full time on a rotating shift (7 days from 7am-3pm, off 4 days, 7 days from 3pm-11pm, one day off, then 7 days of 11 pm- 7 am, then 2 days off). It is really hard to have set dinner time (I am jealous of all of you who can do this). So routine is not so easy at my house. We do have a set bed time for ALL 4 kids @ 9pm. I usually am in bed by 10pm, and get up at 5:30 to do some laundry and get the babies clothes laid out for the day.
I was getting really overwhelmed until we developed (and revised several times) the chore chart for the older ones.
Sorry to ramble, hope this helps someone out,
Lindy lindybrackett@hotmail.com 22|2|I think I will try that chore chart/point system|redspecs|redspecs@bellsouth.net|12:00:05|01/23/2004|
I have a 6yr old that is v-e-r-y lazy, and wouldnt breath if she thought she didnt have to. She is very dramatic and puts on a show when she cant do something (or doesnt want to, and therefore "cant"). I dont really like the idea of paying them for doing chores, simply b/c the 6yr old would figure out that if she has enough money, she wouldnt have to do the chores, so I need to incorporate something that will accomplish both of these tasks. I think I'll make a list of chores that have to be done (bed made, clothes folded/put away, etc), then have a list of "optional" chores, ones that she can "make money" doing, but only after the "have to" chores are done. 23|1|~~$~~NEED HELP~~$~~ See inside|Rayne667|Rayne667@aol.com|13:39:12|01/23/2004|
I subscribe to 2 e mail newsletters that are GREAT!!!! Here is the address to subscribe to them. They have recipes, cleaning and cooking tips, organizing tips, sometimes freebies, crafts, kid friendly advice and websites and lots of other things. If you would like me to forward you the newsletters to see if you would like to subscribe to them e mail me and met me know which one you want or both. They dont earn me or you any points or rewards they are just good advice newsletters.
Homemaker Journal
Get Organized Now Newsletter
Have a great day
Deanna
http://www.woodcountyprojectlinus.com