Does Anyone Else Think This Is Hard?

Hi, Mama:

Enjoying what you are doing is the key. Getting ready to go needs to be fun. Dressing up can be made as a fun thing.
Packing up the things need to be fun. Children helping you and having fun.
Loading everything up also needs to be fun.
I don't know if you are interested in having a harness for the 4 year old or not but I had 2 in harness when we walked to the park and other areas so I didn't lose anyone.
Make everything you do with the children fun. It's not about getting someplace. It is about the fun getting there.
Just a thought.
Good luck.
D.

Why not keep a bag in the car that has all thier stuff in it; diapers, clean empty sippy cups, extra binky, clothes, and small toys - and leave it in the car. This way you don't have to think about that step.

I used to stress so much about leaving, but once I had my bag in the car and just left it there it took so much stress off me by knowing it is always in there.

Yes very hard! I've done it but it is stressful. 6, 4 and 2 they are LOL! In all honesty I really don't take them out by myself very much. Whether behaved or not to me becomes a safety issue. If you are at the store trying to shop then how are you able to keep track of all three. Most times my husband and I tag team it. When all three do go out my husband is with me. To me this is just easier unless it's necessary.

Attitude is everything. I go all over and have all kinds of fun with my 4 and 1 year olds. My SIL won't even do the grocery shopping with her 3 and 1 year olds. A lot has to do with mom's personality, ability to be flexible, and a can -do attitude. Even so, yes its hard.
I started by practicing. I would take my toddler and baby out to lunch (just to see if I could do it). I started at pay at the counter places so that if i had to I'd just pick up and leave and abandon the whole mission.
Allowing my kids to snack in the car is another reason I am able to go and do things. Snacking in the car allows you to push their schedules a little without melt-downs. The downside, their car seats are crusty and gross. The upside: we get out of the house. Let the 4-year-old dress herself. Even if she looks ridiculous.
Have some perspective. I used to struggle to go anywhere with my first child for fear of a melt down, and disruptions to the schedule. But then would see these moms with 3 and 4 kids shopping and enjoying themselves and their kids and I realized I was making it harder than it needed to be. So with second child I determined, we were going to have fun, go places and do things. I want this season to be the time of our lives. So we just go for it. You may have a poop catastrophe! So what! take it in stride. Laugh about your adventures in motherhood.
Restock your diaper bag when you get back from an outing so its ready to go next time. Leave some emergency supplies in your car (extra diapers, wipes, toys, change of clothes).

Yep. I used to. :)
Mine are older now (13 & 10) but I remember very well how stressful it was trying to do even the most mundane things, sometimes. My husband always pointed out that I was making a mountain out of a molehill (really helpful, right?). The truth of the matter is that, he was right.

I am NOT trying to minimize the stress involved in what goes into managing 2 kids at the ages yours are. Not at all. Been there exactly. But really, part of the stress comes from idealizing what we think it "should" be like. Well, it is hard work. Maybe some moms don't find it to be so, and seem to have everything together and be smiling and loving every second of it. That wasn't me... but the image of that was in my head--and the pressure of trying to BE that mom just added to the stress.
Let it go.
So it stresses you out to pack up everything, worrying about every thing that you might need while you are out, and whether someone will be cranky, or misbehave, etc... Be okay with that. That is who you are.

I have found that when I just accept who I am (I get stressed, ok?) that it reduces the amount of stress I am under. That is the little secret that my husband ended up teaching me. :) I don't have to be perfect. I just have to keep my kids safe. That's it. It really doesn't matter if they look perfect while we get groceries. It doesn't matter if I wear a smile while I am in Walmart, and look like June Cleaver with perfectly manicured nails, matching shoes, and coiffed hair. I get the job done, the kids are safe, and life goes on.
So let the stress over how it makes you feel go.
Because--yeah... it's hard.
:)

<<hugs>>

All good advice, the other thing I found worked well with our child was to always give her the heads up the night before about the naxt days schedule. Tomorrow after breakfast, You will have 30 minutes to play until we go to the grocery store.

Then at breakfast.. After breakfast you will have 30 minutes to play, then we need to get ready to go to the store..

After 30 minutes. You have 5 minutes to clean up the toys, then I need you to do me a favor.

Once the child is finished. Good job putting away your toys!!!! UI really need your help. Will you make sure the diaper bag is by the friont door? Will you please get a juice box and and a water bottle from the fridge and put it in the diaper bag?

Thank you for doing that, remember at the store we do not by snacks, will you please pick put 2 snacks, 1 for you and 1 for me and put them in the diaper bag?

As you are walking out of the door, could you please carry the diaper bag so we can put it in the car?

On the way to the store. Remember at the store you need to have one hand on the grocery basket the whole time. I also need you to help me remember, these things to buy.. Apples, Bread, Milk, Dads favorite cereal.. etc..

As you are getting ready to get out of the car.. Can you grab the snacks and drinks? We can put them in my purse.. Remember to keep one hand on the car, till I can get baby out of the car, then you need to hold my hand.

When you get into the store.. What do we need to remember to by? Which side of the store should we start at?

Red apples or green apples?
Where is dads favorite cereal?
Do you see the milk we buy?

During all of this use the please, Thank you< I really like your help, you are a big helper, I a glad you are helping me..

You may feel strange at first, but it will become more natural and your child will begin to follow your lead..

Thank him when you get home for being such a huge help and following the rules.

It's hard to imagine that these are the best years of your life-but please do so!

You're in the hardest and in some ways most fun years with your two. And it's doubly hard because of the age gap. At 4, your oldest should be able to maintain a pretty good attention span for something when you need to have time with your 1 year old.
Kids learn through play at these ages, so try to make whatever you're doing fun. Try to think of things through their eyes and use your language with them to teach about what you're doing. Involve them in what you have to get done by giving them (limited) choices. For your 4 year old, try to teach him/her to do things for him/herself and how to help you too. Praise him/her for being a big helper.
And make sure that you alternate busy time with quiet time. if you spend 20 minutes running at the park... take 15 quiet minutes to read a book.
Most importantly, give yourself breaks and take care of yourself. Everyone need quiet time to recharge and time away from the kids to breathe. If there's family around, let them watch the kids for an hour or two while you get a cup of coffee and read a book (or take a nap!) If there's a husband let him take care of the kids sometimes while you take a bath. Being a stay at home Mom is the hardest job out there. It's easy to forget to take care of yourself so that you're able to give the most you can to your kids.

Hang in there... it gets easier!!!

Yes, Mama you're not alone. I also think it has to do with the age of your kiddos right now. Two very different ages and abilities and WANTS. The older you youngest gets, the easier it becomes....or so I've found. :)

What I do:
*Keep ALL shoes for everyone in one place in the house.
*If I know I'm going somewhere, I start the process of getting everything ready by the start of the day....dress them appropriately, gather sippy cups, pack the bag with snacks, dipes, and wipes...and sometimes toys.
*When I was sleep deprived, I kept a note on the garage door that listed everything I NEEDED....now I can do it mentally.
*I always keep the umbrella stroller in the back of the car.
*I park near the cart corral and put the kids straight into the cart to take them in. Once inside, I let the 4 year old walk. I strap the almost 2 year old in. She's a monkey.
*I try to hit Sams and Walmart on the same day and TAKE DAD with us. We try to go on Friday nights when both places aren't so busy. Sam's has carts that hold two butts....thank you.
*I encourage the 4 year old to do her own buckles on her carseat (I double check them).
*I train them that they must always be in a cart of hold a hand in the parking lot and stay super close to mom in the stores (if they get the chance to walk.....2 year old has to hold my hand).

I loved it when one of my MIL's was thinking I was a complainer when I was really struggling with the girls and going to the store by myself. Then she got a chance to take the girls for a day and complained about putting them in and out of the car. She didn't even take them shopping. She shut up after that. :)

No, its not hard. Its actually rather easy. But you have to be prepared and be the mom, and not the little sister.

My wife and I had 8 kids. We taught (mostly she ) the kids to dress themselves beginning around 2. All but one could get themselves dressed by the time they were 3. I started taking kids with me when I only had one and he was younger than 2. I was taking 4 kids with me when we had 4 under 5 years old. I never had a problem or found it stressful.

We had a "go bag". In it were diapers, drinks and all of the other things we would use with the kids while we were out. We did NOT bribe our kids to be good with toys or food from McD or BK or anywhere else. When we decided to go someplace we would tell the kids to get their "go pants" on. They would go and get dressed, including jackets if appropriate. When they were ready, we'd get out into the van and leave. The go bag was already packed and all I had to do was grab it and close the front door.

I didn't let it be a big deal. I didn't let it stress me out. The only time I got stressed out is if we had to get on a plane or go someplace where there was a definate time limit.

My dad taught me this. Not by his good example, but by his bad example. If we were going on vacation and my dad said we should leave by 8:00 am, we had to leave by 8. If we left at 8:30 he made us miserable for 2 or 3 hours. If we left at 10, we would be miserable for the entire day. He would gipe and complain and harangue us forever. It didn't make any difference if we were just going on a road trip to grandparents home 400 miles away. Because of that experience, I am very relaxed when it comes to leaving to go someplace. The store will still be there if we arrive at 8 or 9 or 10 or even 3. So I don't sweat the small stuff.

I used to take the kids with me when I went shopping. I did it so I could give my wife a little alone to relax time. The only time I didn't take all of them with me is when the youngest was still nursing. Of course I had it easier than most moms on this site because I required obedience, not requested obedience. If the kids failed to do what they were told, they were warned and warned and then swat and then swat. I never had to go beyond the second swat time. They knew what to expect and behaved accordingly.

I pity the moms I see in the store that practically BEG their kids to behave and then bribe the kids to do what they would have done for "free" if the mom had acted like a mom rather than a little sister.

Good luck to you and yours.

I had 9 years in btwn my sons. It should have made life easier, but my older son was diagnosed at age 6 with a degenerative hip disease....so our life revolved around, not only the stroller, but also crutches/hip brace/wheelchair. I would push the wheelchair & my son would push the stroller while sitting in the wheelchair! & that's how we did the grocery shopping....no cart unless my older son asked to wait in the van. :)

This was our life simply because my DH was working 60+ to support us & our medical expenses. I could manage all of the manuevers & felt it was unfair to ask him to provide childcare in the evening so I could do errands without kids. & I must say, it certainly taught my sons how to work as a team!

To make life easier, I kept a bag packed at all times. It was a combo diaper bag, purse, & med supplies. I also kept extra clothes in a bag in the van. To keep everybody occupied, I had a ready supply of toys too. For quickie trips, I did not take drinks/snacks. For longer road trips (to the city), we relied on the all-important drink/snacks.

One of the biggest perks for me was that I did not have to coerce my sons into behaving. They flat out knew that they had to behave. We discussed the expected behavior before leaving the house & again in the parking lot. Good behavior was rewarded upon return home....never thru the store!

Sooo, that would be the biggest recommendation I can give you: be the parent & make sure your kids know you mean business. This will provide you with little to no stress on outings. I also kept them involved/engaged - even down to matching food/coupons! Allowing them to make choices also helped keep them engaged..... Hope this helps!

What's your personality like? I am highly introverted so doing a lot of activities that involve high energy is taxing for me. I find it a little bit easier if I have someone with me that is on the extroverted side.

My kids, who are 6 and 3, know that mom isn't the high-energy fun time gal. They go to dad for that. But I make up for it in other ways. We dig around in the garden, go on nature walks, read books, color pictures or go to the zoo. I used to stress out so much that I couldn't keep up with the go, go, go that most parents think a child needs. As a kid the only thing I wanted from parents was undivided attention, that was about it.

I think my kids would appreciate quiet boring mommy than stressed out, on the brink of crazy mommy.

You got a lot of great tips. I wanted to say YES!!! I get it!! For me it was difficult when I just had one child, now I have an infant too. My frustration comes with the fact that my daughter won't just put on her shoes and coat and get in her car seat. She has to collect 1000 toys to bring in the car with her, walk around the front yard before getting to the car, playing with toys in the care before she gets in her car seat etc. etc. etc.... It's enough to make me batty!!! I feel like I'm always managing instead of being able to be part of the moment, interacting and enjoying.

I'm fortunate that my husband is very hands on and very understanding. When he's home he does the "heavy lifting" with the kids so I can relax a little and enjoy them more. He's generally in charge of the logistics and I'm along for the fun. It makes a huge difference but there's that 40-60 hours a week that I'm all alone in caring for them and I'm not always having fun :(

I don't have any advice that's different from those who already posted. I just wanted to let you know you're not alone. It's hard, tiring, and less than euphoric to be on the front line everyday than people would have you believe. The good news is, from what I gather, we get to enjoy kids when they're our grandkids. That's what I'm told anyway. Good luck! I hope we all make it out alive! lol

yes I have felt like that! That's why we rarely went anywhere in the winter unless it was outside to play. We had our fun at home and we did all kinds of stuff together the rest of the year outside of the house.

Sometimes I would take the younger ones to grandma's or left them home with dad and I would take the older one somewhere that way he could do what ever he wanted and had my full attention and was able to play with just him.

Jeez...get it together, Mama! This is a piece of cake! NOT! haha...just kidding! My kids are 12 & 13 and I STILL don't like taking them anywhere w/ me! :) And they aren't in car seats, don't need me to get their coats on or anything!

When they were littler, yes, I was pretty much stressed all the time. I am a high strung person who worries way too much. One piece of advice I can give you is go in w/ the mind set that you have NO control over what may happen (poop explosion, spit up, lost toy, screaming fit...etc.) So, give yourself extra time, do not go into any shopping or errand running experience w/ expectations of a time limit. And I know it's hard to manage different age groups...I run a daycare...always have a stroller, so you can have the 1 yr old safely strapped in and teach the 4 yr old to hold your hand and while walking, observe and talk about everything...colors, signs, whatever you see in the store...let the 4 yr old help as much as possible, and that will keep him/her engaged. And for the 1 yr old, always have cheerios, juice, toys, board books on hand to entertain.

And one thing I wish I had known/done when mine were younger...let the house work go...it'll still be there. I feel like I spent a majority of my kids younger years being stressed and not a very good mom and because of that, I feel like I missed so much because it was always a rush to get things done. If I could re-do anything, it would be that...let them be young just one more time so I could be more patient, have more time and do more w/ them. Trust me...when they are 12 & 15, you will be glad you didn't sweat the small stuf and glad you did "smell the flowers." Do as much as you can...even if it's just a small walk around the neighborhood, or a quick cuddle in the am. And make sure to do things "just because!" For no reason other than you want to be w/ your kids!

Yes, it can be hard! In fact two kids can be harder than 8! Depends on the kids, and older kids often help with younger kids. You are not alone! Keep what you can packed in the car all the time and just replenish as needed. Toys, diapers, water bottles.

Try inviting over other Mom's with their kids. Then you have a buddy and you don't have to pack up everything.

Try a babysitter one or two times a week so that you can get out and get things done quickly.

Meet friends at the park. Security in numbers works with multiple Moms helping out.

Keep in mind this is just for one more year! The older one will be in kindergarten and life will get easier during the day, and the baby will be able to do more on her/his own.

You are not alone. My first three children were 2 1/2 years apart and we had no car. I used to have to walk up and down 52 steps with them and laundry to go across the street. It was tough, but you do what you have to do.

When we finally got a car, I used to keep toys, books, and an extra diaper bag in the there to cut down on prep time. Keeping a schedule helps to relieve stress too. My 5 year old knows when she's supposed to clean up before meals, tv time, movie time, bath time, nap-time, and play time. Makes things a lot less stressful for me since she's the only one still living at home now.

It does get easier when they are a little older than yours are now.

Of course, we've all been there some times.

I have 3 - a 10 month old, a 4 yo and a 5 yo.

Sometimes it's harder than other times.

Try to relax as much as possible. Try not to sweat the small stuff. Don't make yourself nuts doing too many errands with them. If at all possible, food shop at night when they're sleeping and your hubby is home. And other things like that. Of course, some errands you end up having to do with them. Do your best.

As far as things like playground or a children's museum or whatever, relax, have fun. the 1 yo will stay with you, the 4 yo is big enough to listen. Try and pick good places to go where everyone can have fun.

And most of all RELAX! I am a laid back parent most of the time, it helps me.

I try to prepare things the evening before having to go anywhere. That helps a lot. Try to get yourself completely ready then the kiddos. That may help. I think for most Moms it is about routine and sticking to a time frame as best as you can.

Some days I feel like I'm planning a military invasion. "Alright troops! We are going to the grocery store! We need to lay in supplies for the trip. Everyone in uniform. We have a tight deadline. We need to be at the high school at 4:15 sharp! Let's move, move, move!"

I find that I need to start planning getting out of the house with the kids at least 30-40 minutes earlier than I'd need myself, and that includes older kids. Someone is always forgetting shoes or dallying. My SS was almost left behind when we had dinner reservations on vacation and he was a teen! He ran out the door with shoes in hand.

With DD, I try to delegate. "DD, can you find your shoes?" or "Here's your jacket. Can you put it on while I put on my shoes?" I put everything I think I need by the door. I have a "go bag" that I keep with her stuff (like a change of clothes) and periodically I check it for supplies, including snacks. Easier to grab and go. I use a backpack because it leaves my hands free. You can also put little items in the bag like a book the 4 yr old might like or a toy the 1 yr old can mess with (quiet, soft toys are good for travel). I moved to an umbrella stroller that's much easier/quicker for me to handle while messing with other stuff.

Some days, it's great. And some days DD insists on being a blob and won't hurry and we're sliding into the event in the back 10 minutes late. Oops.

I remember the first time I tried to go grocery shopping after I had my 3rd. My oldest and middle are 22 months apart, and the middle and last are 23 months apart. I put the newborn in his infant carrier in the back of the cart, put my almost 2 year old in the front seat, and then put my almost 4 year old on the back. I looked at the cart and started crying. Ah, the days!

They are now almost 5, 7, and 9. They are huge helps everywhere we go and we learned how to do things as they came up. Of course things are stressful sometimes. You'll learn what your kids can deal with and accomodate from there :).

I do think prepping things ahead makes a lot of difference, but even the best planning does not always guarantee a stress-free outing. Of course it's hard, you have two little kids!! Don't beat yourself up about it. There are great suggestions on what to do to prep ahead and stay organized. Try whatever makes sense to you regarding that. Otherwise, find a moment or two during your outing to take a 'mental picture', just a moment to look at your kiddos and think how wonderful they are and appreciate the moment. If you can grab a couple of those moments, consider the outing a success. If there are moments of chaos mixed it, so be it. You are still a super mom!!

So stressful at those ages! Mine are now 3 and 5 1/2. I most ways it is so much easier!!! My 3 year old is finally really accepting of the fact that he needs to hold me hand when we're walking places, especially parking lots. The trouble is that he is big! and strong! and strong willed! Also, my 5 1/2 year old (who used to be that way) is usually very relaxed and easy going and likes to walk .. slowly. I feel like I either have to hold the youngest in my arms (which is exhausting) and walk with the oldest or keep hollering the the oldest to keep up with us.

I've had people tell me to just teach the youngest to stay with me and not run off. I'm sorry, but I do not know how to tell a strong willed 3 year old to just stand by mamma! He's getting better, but he does like to run off.

Sometimes I just have to be realistic about what I can do with both of them. My brother's girls are much more mature than my 3 year old, so I try to do things with them and my brother is super helpful.

It really does get easier as they get older, but know that you are not alone!

You are not alone! This coming month I will have a 1, 4 and 6 year old. I think having an infant is what makes everything more of a challenge-trying to work around naps and messy feedings. And going out I find difficult as well with the littlest one still putting everything into her mouth (she LOVES rocks and mulch) which even makes a simple trip to the park a challenge. Try to just enjoy those precious moments between all the stressful ones :) I'd say in one year you'll be in a totally different place. A 5 y/o is very independent and able and can do so much more on their own (at playgrounds etc). And by two your little one will be walking and communicating more.

I just spoke with my mom yesterday about how I wish I knew now what I didn't know then. I'm so much more relaxed with my third-not getting so easily stressed as I did with the first two. And I can laugh sooner after at those moments when I think I'm going to go insane (stuffing peas up noses etc).

Try not to over extend yourself and try to keep it as simple as possible (easier said than done ;) )

Take care!

I have 2 boys, ages 10 months and almost 4. I just spent the last 5 days as a single mom... my hubby was out of town. I didn't know what I would brave, but it really was easier than I expected. I didn't get worked up about the small things. The kids and I spent all day Saturday (6.5 hrs) running errands, shopping, etc. I always have a packed diaper bag in the car. I also have individual bags in the diaper bag. (31 bags are perfect for this) 1 for snacks, 1 for diapers/changing pad, change of clothes, 1 for bibs/spoons/baby foods, 1 for toys. I then just re-pack the individual bags when needed, vs. trying to re-pack the big diaper bag everytime without knowing what all is in it. This works well too - I always know where everything is. My 4yr old knows where his snacks are (Robot bag) and toys, and so on. That helps the planning and being prepared for anything part. I also have a double stroller. That helps keep my 4yr old controlled in the mall, zoo, crowded places so I don't have to constantly yell at him to stay close or hold my hand. I always plan ahead lunch times, etc. so I feed my baby before he is starving and crying. I also breastfeed too, so we do that in parking lots to prevent a melt down in store. I have 2 amazing good, well behaved kids so I am lucky. That also helps alot.
It isn't easy... but gets easier every time. And bribing the 4yr old helps get you through the tough times.... Walmart, running errands. "If you are good now, then we can go to Toys R Us or Children's museum, etc. for you to play later".
Make an effort to venture out as much as possible.... the more you go, the more relaxed you will be, the better your kids will behave, and the more fun as a family you will have!! Happy Adventures to you!

Mine are almost 7, 5 and 3 and leaving the house is the worst. Once we are out we are fine... but getting out the door is my least favorite thing to do.

Where are you going with your kids? When mine were not in school, we did the zoo, children's museum, art museum, sculpture garden... all those things were super fun once we go there.

It's actually harder now to get out the door because we are less likely to be going someplace "fun" - usually we are going to school, preschool or the grocery store ;)

Enjoy not having to be someplace on time!

I had the same problem. I worked full time and then came home to tow boys that were about the same distance apart. My husband worked evenings so was never home so it was all on me for the most part. I would not go grocery shopping unless my mom came with me or my husband if he happend to be home. I didn't take them a lot of places on my own. But I would try to keep a diaper bag that had cloths and diapers and all that stuff in the car so if I was just going to the store or something like that I did not have to pack a bag or sometimes I would just throw a few diapers and whipes in my purse and go. It does get better!!!

Good luck and God Bless!

I have days when all I felt like I did was yell at my kids. When my older two kids where little, just 2 years apart, sometimes it made it harder, but other times, they had each other to play with. Plus, I was a single parent, working full time and going to school. It was hard.
Now, there is a 9.5 year span between #2 and #3. Both boys, and the older does pick on the younger a lot. Now my oldest picks on #3 too, they all pick on each other, and sometimes really love each other too. Love those times.
I try not to let the little things bother me. I try to enjoy them at each age, since I know how fast it goes. I do have my moments still, that I just yell at them, but they do straighten right up. Try to be more organized, I found that helped. Try to laugh more too. I used to yell at my older two that now I just laugh off with the youngest, learning curve is nice.
Hang in there momma, sending hugs out to you!

I never found it hard but I kept everything I could in my car. So when we had to go out it was get them dressed, grab some munchies and go. So far as wayward kids in danger over time they learn their limits so there were a few weeks of retraining here and there.

I guess a lot of it depends on what it means to get "ready" to go.
I breastfed so there was no packing of bottles and formula, just a few diapers and wipes which were already in the bag.
I wasn't big on packing extra clothes. I mean if they got dirty or spilled something I would clean it off as best as I could but they were little, it's not like THEY cared that their clothes got dirty.
When my girls were little I kept their hair cut in neat, short little bobs. So cute, and no time wasted over "doing" their hair (I have no patience with "hair drama" lol!)
If we were packing a lunch I kept it VERY simple, like a sandwich and a drink. I didn't feel the need to pack a three course meal every time we left the house. If we just needed to bring a snack I would grab those from a basket of ready to go snacks I kept in the cupboard.
Things like the stroller, sand toys, beach/pool towels, etc. were kept in the car, so there was no need to think about that stuff.
I guess what I'm saying is KEEP IT SIMPLE. Don't stress yourself by trying to pack and bring every little thing you THINK you need.
And as far as keeping up with your four year old? I'm not sure what you mean. I assume you are spending a lot of time at kid friendly places, like the park, so the four year old should be pretty happy running around with the other kids. I know a crawling/walking one year old can be challenging though, they are always on the move, usually towards something dangerous or dirty :)
Try to RELAX and have fun, it's such a great age!

I'm a grandmother now, raising my granddaughter. I am enjoying it much more this time around because I have learned not to sweat the small stuff.

In the whole scheme of things, your children are not going to look back on their childhood and recall that the dishes weren't done, or that there was dust on the furniture. What they will remember is mom playing with them, taking them to fun and exciting places or just cuddling with them while they watched their favorite cartoon. Those are the important things.

So, don't sweat the small stuff and just try to keep in mind what you want them to remember when reflecting on their childhood.

I will suggest that you keep a packed diaper bag in the car. That way, you are half way ready every day. When you come home, replace the supplies you used from the bag and you're ready for the next time!

Relax and have fun! As long as they have clean clothes to put on today and there's no mold growing on anything, you're fine! Enjoy!

You are not alone! I have had some of the same exact thoughts myself. I'm not sure I have any suggestions. I just think that when I start to feel that way again, I try to consciously set aside time to play with and enjoy my kids again to remember how much fun they can be. But I know it's sometimes even hard to do that!

Also, if I found I was overwhelmed with things to do, but I just couldn't drum up the energy to pack everyone up and get out the door again, I'd book an evening or two with my husband for him to stay home with the kids and me to get out and get some errands done. It was so freeing and satisfying to get some things accomplished ( and so quickly!) that I came home feeling a little bit better. :)

Hang in there!