Parenting 

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Juggling Mums

Are you struggling to balance a job with childcare, sort out 'me' time alongside the kids' quality time, do the housework and change careers - all on the same day? iVillagers from the Parents' Problem Solver message board share what really works

Take time to sort out work and childcare issues: I worked full-time initially but childcare was a nightmare. I was a midwife and eventually I got my mum to help but that put a huge strain on our relationship. I went part-time which was great but I still had to do nights, weekends and bank holidays, including Christmas.

I struggled with it and was never truly happy and neither were my children. I now work as an unqualified teacher. I'm very happy, my children never need to be looked after by anyone else and we get to spend all the holidays together.

Make time for yourself : It's difficult to find but I try to have regular breaks. My 'me' time is very important. Otherwise I feel hemmed in.

Strive to find quality time with your kids: My children are aged 12 and 10 years and spend a lot of time in their rooms, on the Internet, or with their friends. I'm always trying to catch up with housework or chores. I don't think we spend enough quality time together and despite my good intentions the situation never improves.
inottoni

Prioritise quality time with your kids: As a working mum with two children aged one and five, I focus on them alone when I get home. It's baths, singing and stories until they are in bed - and then I collapse. We also make sure that the weekends are reserved for sacred family time, which means no work - only fun things.

Pay someone to clean the house: It's worth every penny, otherwise the choice is clean the loo or play with my kids.

Do the weekly shop online: It means I don't have to drag the kids around the supermarket. Instead we can go to the park and run around.

Accept the fact that 'me' time simply does not exist: It won't for the foreseeable future. It's all very hard - but I'm hoping it'll get easier.
charliesmummy

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