I realise it’s considered a luxury and with the cost of living crisis it’s not possible for some but getting a cleaner for 2 hours a week has made such a huge difference to my mental health. I’m on maternity with my second baby boy and as you say, just keeping on top of washing and tidying is a full time job. She comes on a Friday morning so we “tidy” Thursday night (shove stuff in cupboards / drawers and make sure washing up is done & away) do that she can just focusing on cleaning. I then use that time to take the kids out for a few hours and coming home to a clean house almost brings a tear to my eye it’s so amazing. I’m still constantly trying to keep on top of the house, without this I would be in despair. I’m so grateful we’re able to afford it but I’d sacrifice something else to be able to.. it’s so worth it.
We are literally living the same life I swear. I've been watching since you first had George and you helped me soo much through the first year of my first babies life (also born September 2020) like weaning him and helpful meal ideas etc, and now I have a 4 month old too. Going through the exact same struggles. Keep going Shan, we've got this 💪🏻💞
I know not everyone can afford it but honestly a fortnightly cleaner has saved me! Working full time with a 2 year old and 30 weeks pregnant I just can’t do it all! I felt guilty at first but it’s made a huge difference to us! X
You are doing amazing !!! A perfect house is completely unachievable with kids, I’ve just learned to accept that! I would really recommend the chom chom roller for dog hair it’s absolutely amazing, so easy! X
Thanks for keeping it so real currently on maternity with 20 month old and 5 year old (and dog lol) and it's refreshing to see someone online so realistic and relatable ❤
hey love! definitely doing smaller bits on a daily rather than leaving it all to add up till Tuesday will be lots easier. If you can try to always cook larger portions of dinners so that it lasts 2 days in a row, for example a large lasagne or a large casserole etc that way you only have to worry about the cooking bit every other day and on the day you aren't cooking you can use this time to get on top of the housework. You'll be amazed how much time not having to cook and wash up loads of pots and pans will save you. x
I have come to realise since having my second that I can not do it all in one day I have always done everything in a day with my first born but the second I have comes to terms with it I can do lots of things on different days. I used to clean the bathroom in the evening it was the only time I had time even now it find it easier to do down stairs morning up stairs evening.. it’s hard cleaning is never ending but you no it will be there waiting for us tomorrow so we got to give in sometimes and just lay on the sofa and watch what we like on tv for once while the baby naps! 😂 Doing amazing mumma ❤
You are an absolute superstar, Shan! My kids are similar age to yours, I’m also on mat leave and honestly, sometimes I’m struggling. I prioritise them, then myself (shower, skincare, 30 min exercise) and we cook most meals from scratch. We got a cleaner fortnightly to do the entire house (she takes 3h) and in between we manage to keep it tidy. I don’t know how you do it, kudos to you!
I'm planning on getting a cleaner in once a month once my second baby arrives I feel like I would be 2 embarrassed with the state of my home for them to come into 😅🤦♀️🤣
I have a 2 and 3 year old and work 3 days a week and I essentially have a chore rota for myself. Mondays clean the kitchen sides, cupboards, microwave etc. Takes about 30-40 mins. Fridays is bathrooms again 30-40mins. Sweep and hoover every other day which takes about 10 mins. Washing most mornings on timer from night before so that’s done first thing. It is doing something every day but shorter periods and don’t feel guilty for not doing something on a day knowing it will be done the next day etc. fun fact our kitchen and floor is the exact same haha. Just sharing in case it’s helpful! You are doing amazing x
My granddaughter hates the Hoover since birth she’s now 3 😂😂😂and I have to announce to her listen prep yourself nans turning the Hoover on she walks to the sofa and covers up her soul with a blanket and doesn’t move til I finish honestly she’s a nervous wreck if I don’t give her a pree warning the shakes screaming absolutely petrified it’s wild so now we have a system
I found having a weekly cleaner helps me keep on top of things and feel less stressed and be more present with my son (as I am not always thinking about all the things I need to do). Also weekly online shop and fortnightly meal planner. They are only really little for a short time, I just want to enjoy it and give them my all! Also make sure your partner is pulling his weight, just because you on mat leave does not mean it should all fall to you!! Looking after children is the job in itself.
I love your videos and watch when I can! Very relatable. I keep telling myself plenty of time for deep cleaning later in life but it doesn't stop it playing on our minds does it! Then we throw Christmas into the mix too! Its nice to know we are all in the same boat xx
Honestly your totally right, it's almost impossible with a toddler and baby and I feel when people make it look easy they are setting other mums up to fail. I have a 5 and 3 year old (and work 3 days a week) now and I'd say I didn't sleep through the night for 4 years but slowly I do now get a whole night and now they both watch a film and I can clean the bathroom! They even help tidy up. It does get easier I promise. I think the key is to plan time really purposefully - time block - I use google Calander so for example not having to make 2 trips out but if I need petrol and shopping for example to do it together. I also have strict bedtime (now they older) and do all bedtime routine together. My partner does it 3 nights and I do 4 nights so I can do something on the other nights from 5pm even if it's just cleaning. When they were littler I would also split my chores into ones I could get done with the children and ones I couldn't e.g. I could put washing away whilst looking after baby but couldn't clean the bathroom. It's so tough but gets easier your are super women looking after 2 and RUclips! Xxxx
Love your videos so much they are so relatable. I have a nearly 2 year old and 4 year old and work 4 days a week. I struggled on maternity too and still do now, just have to try and fit stuff in when working from home now! It’s a juggle and you are doing fab and love that your showing real life! X
Ahh thank you so much 😫🥰 it means a lot to know we’re not alone in this haha! Honestly, going back to work on top of everything else actually scares the hell out of me… eeek! Thank you so much ♥️
Thank god for you Shan, I had a meltdown to my husband about all this last night. Feeling so overwhelmed at the moment (I have a 22 month old and a 9 week old) and the house is gross but no idea how to get it all done. Your videos keep me sane. Thank you ❤️
I legit had the exact same meltdown the other day (not helped by my first period since having Halle..) - the overwhelm is reaaaal 😂😅 I’m so glad that my videos bring some sort of comfort, that makes it so worth while ♥️
You're doing such an amazing job! 💪 This is basically an unsolvable problem 😂 but it doesn't stop us all stressing out about it (I'm the same). I know not everyone is able to afford it but I've found having a cleaner come in fortnightly just for a few hours makes a massive difference; she does the deep cleaning (and she is amazing at it) so I just need to keep on top of the more surface level stuff like wiping surfaces and hoovering, which is tough enough with a 12-week-old and a 2-year-old! Not sure if that's something you'd consider and I know it's not something everyone can do but it's been a game changer for our family
I’ve thought about this so many times, but always thought that I’m being silly that I should even need one while I’m off work. I also don’t know the cleaner etiquette 😂 like, does the house have to be tidy and then they can clean it? Cause that alone is a struggle 😂😂🫠
@@HomeWithShan it also took me a long time to get over the whole 'but I'm at home!' thing before getting a cleaner and not thinking of it as an obscene luxury - totally get this! But I spent my first maternity leave listening to loads of audiobooks (while pushing the buggy in the rain! 🤪) written by writers on motherhood, about how caring for children full time *is* work and *is* the equivalent of a full time job (by the time I went back to work and my daughter started nursery I realised this was 100% true - tbh my desk job is way more restful and easier than looking after my kids full time!) and those women totally convinced me it was okay to still need help with cleaning even though I was technically 'at home' (I wasn't really, since I was looking after babies full time and the point is that's a job in itself!). My husband is totally on board (in fact getting a fortnightly cleaner was his idea) and he and I split the rest of the cleaning and housework 50/50 (and we split childcare and non-childcare 'work' 50/50). Our cleaner is amazingly good, and she needs the work, so I guess I also look at it from that perspective too (plus she even helps hold the baby or entertain the toddler briefly if necessary!). Whatever you do, whether you outsource some of the cleaning work or not, you're doing an amazing job raising your kids and keeping a happy family home running 💪 😁 xxx
I haven’t had a full night sleep since before my son was born 21 months ago. Back to needing me to sleep for naps and during the night he’ll sleep until 4am alone then into our bed. It’s the best it’s ever been though 😅
Oh lovely your sleep deprived don’t worry about your house just do your best. You will get there. Set timers to do a clean maybe? Just do it once a week perhaps? Don’t give your self hard time. Maybe a Sunday and get ash to take both kids out? Only ideas lovely xx
I feel like this everyday. There's always something to do! With the kids and animals it never feels clean! I just bought a robot vacuum because I was feeling so overwhelmed with trying to keep up with the cleaning, not like I can afford to be spending my money on things like that but I was so fed up of vacuuming multipul times a day
I resonate with this so much! I feel like I never get chance to clean properly I just scratch the surface quite often with baby wipes! The washing, the pots and looking after children is a full time job let alone the rest!
I have a 4 month old, almost 2 year old, dog, cat, I work when kids asleep, have a chronic illness and do 90% of the chores myself, fresh cooked meals, no family support and i dont use childcare. I feel your pain girl 😅 xx
Omg I resonate with this so much. I have a 4 year old and 11 week old and omg my house is constantly cluttered and messy and like you I can't remember the last time I did a deep clean but the thought of juggling this with work too is just overwhelming! And same I feel like having maternity with one is so much more easy going than with 2 I literally feel like my maternity is non existent lol just know your not alone in this ♡ xxx
So true! It’s a never-ending job especially when working. There are things that have to be done everyday like washing up but then do stuff like hovering, laundry, mopping etc every few days. Basically a kind of rota where I’ll split the jobs over the week. On my non-work day I try to change beds and do 4-5 loads of laundry so it’s a bit easier to tackle a new load every other day after that. We got a clear every fortnight to do the deep cleaning so it makes things a little more manageable. Some days things are left and other days way more is tackled than expected.
We paid a cleaner for 2 hours on a Friday and she cleaned the shower and bathrooms, vacuumed the stairs and mopped right through. We did the surface clean each day and then Friday came around again and the bathrooms and showers and vacuumed the stairs again. Perfect
I feel your pain so much with the dog hair!! We have a German Shepherd snd people think I'm lying when I say that she loses her hair ALL YEAR LONG. 😂 Its just soul destroying when you run the hoover round, and then 30 seconds later its covered in hairs again 🙃 The hairs always bothered me but it's 100x magnified since having baby girl!!
You do your best and give yourself grace. On days you have more energy you do a bit more, on days you are tired, you do the basics and let the rest go. I do a 20-20-20 routine mornings and evenings. Mornings is: 20mins getting myself ready, 20mins getting kids readyand feeding cats (including breakfast and is usually broken up, not 20 mins at once, but I do time it) and 20mins picking up/making beds… whatever is most pressing in the house. Timer + STOP at 20mins to not get exhausted. I might not look perfect, but I do get dressed,do a quick skincare and a bit of makeup, eat my breakfast and have coffee. If you keep your makeup bag and scincare streamlined and prep outfit the nigt before AND have always the same breakfast😅 (good quality tasty cereal with yogurt in my case) it’s doable. My evening is 20 mins pickup the house (I usually prep outfits while doing this), 20mins in the kitchen and again 20mins for myself. I don’t include dinner in this and my husband gets kids ready for bed while i pick up/clean the kitchen cause, honestly, without any help, I couldn’t do it.
It doesn’t always get done cause sometimes we’re just tired, but it keeps everything in decent shape and I really noticed the difference when doing so regularly.
Ah this is my life! I only have a 11month old but wow it’s overwhelming trying to manage everything! Tempted to get a cleaner to do a deep clean so I can start fresh 🙈
A couple of suggestions for Mollie’s hair, as we have a similar dog: 🐕 An oxo good grips furlifter brush is amazing for clothing and bedding. 🐕 A small metal carpet brush is great for the car and stairs. 🐕 If you want to get rid of shedding completely for a few months then take her for a proper dog grooming session. Our dog didn’t malt at all when we rescued him as he’d had a professional groom. Now he malts all the time! :)
Amazing tips I actually need these 😩 I have a Pomeranian cross Chihuahua and he's 7 and since being a mum I have been so slack with his grooming I always half ass it 😅😅 definitely going to get him in for a proper groom every other month instead of few times a year 😅
Our house is constantly covered in dog hair and mud! We have a lab who lies down for every dog she sees on walks so a non muddy return from walks is impossible this time of the year. We only ever do top up cleans, and the only reason I'm not hopelessly behind on laundry is because the baby loves watching me hang and put away the clothes, so thankfully it doubles as entertainment for her 😅 I fantasise about getting a cleaner all the time haha
Fp i take my hat off to you, my little boy is 15 weeks today, my partner works full time, I barely every leave the house especially alone i find it so difficult because whenever i go out alone something happens or gets in my way ect, So i spend all day in the house cleaning just to feel like ive done something, if i spend the day on the sofa with my boy i feel guilty but then feel guilty when i dont also haha . X
I'm so glad you made this video lol 😂I genuinely am ashamed to admit that I haven't actually CLEANED my house in god knows how long, it's just basic maintenance at this point. I'm hoping when I'm back at work next summer that I can use the extra money on hiring some help... I'm also with you. There's no way you can be mentally sane, clean, look after everyone, and have a clean house. I try and rotate the house and me 😂
I wouldn't worry about the bed wetting though..he's 3 X I kept my kids in pull ups at night till 4 and half X and put puppy pads down on the bed under the bed sheet to help x
I don't know if this will help but I try to prioritise cleaning upstairs including the bathrooms on a dedicated day e.g. Monday (my only non-working day) and then I do downstairs around the kids as I spend 90% of my time down there anyway so can just clean one room at a time during times of the day when they are eating, playing nicely or even watching a bit of TV.
I have four week old twins and I’m thinking about investing in getting a cleaner. We can’t do it all and I think it will be worth the spend to keep us sane. Why don’t you use some of your RUclips income to invest in a cleaner. You can always make more money but you can’t make more time 😊 you’re doing great ☺️
Totally know the feeling! I see all these little things that need doing but i don't have the time or energy! Skirting boards are so dusty, but I prioritise taking the kids outside and maybe mopping the kitchen floor or clean the bathroom instead.😂 Been doing laundries in the evening and throwing it in the dryer before going to bed. Or stuff just doesn't get done. Suddenly I'll realise, oh shoot, then bedding has been 1,5 week ago, sh*t! 🙈 Hectic life of two kids! Now we are all coming down with a cold so the energy will dip even lower. And our girl is sleep regressing and hitting milestones and sleeping bad for it! 😂 Bring on Christmas holidays! Edit: and we've started with the first purees this week. So that takes 20 minutes at lunchtime off that I'd normally spend doing some bits and bobs while my son eats lunch and watches tv! 😂
Heyy, I have a son same age and completely dry in day but evenings we had the same kept having accidents, was driving me mad constantly washing sheets & duvet. A few people said to me children aren’t often dry through the night for some time especially not at 3, so just put him in training pants overnight to help me and him. Tbh some days it’s bone dry but I couldn’t see the point in trying to push it especially with a 7month old.. might be worth a try for now to take some pressure off you x
Also we have 3 dogs and horses, I invested in 2 robovacs off Amazon which are on every day when I go out. Amazing how much they pick up and I just do one full vacuum end of week x
Hi Shan, I’ve just discovered your channel. I follow the TOMM and it’s really helped. Gemma from The Organised Mum Method has a channel on here and an App too xx
Very difficult- naturally you want a clear environment for a clear mind but it’s not always possible.. Be kind to yourself as this is just a phase! You can always buy George a working baby dyson and get him on the hoovering 😂 xx
Totally! I know you’re right, it’s not always as simple as clear house, clear head haha! But oh gosh I would love George to do the hoovering 😂😂 that’s a good shout for Santa this year haha!
I'm a self employed cleaner and I would say I go to alot of mums and that's the secret lol 😂 and no I have 4 kids and there's no secret it's lower your standards . And remember it gets easier I had 3 kids 3 and under that's my advice . Be kind to yourself xx
It’s sleep you give up sleep don’t do it I’d wake at 4am and do a quick workout bath eat prep lunch dinner do finances clean up then I’d just enjoy the peace and quiet rest and gently wake my oldest he enjoyed the slow mornings not rushing breakfast ready warm bath then he would read a book or play then I’d wake my middle one and do a similar process but breakfast bath and he would join his brother then I’d tidy up their room make beds Chuck the washing in the machine wake the baby get him ready my eldest would give him a bottle and I’d clean the bathroom get him in the pram that was full of book bags etc from the night before and kids brush teeth and we would leave and honestly it was the only way to not be a screaming headless chicken 😂😂😂I gave up 2 hours of sleep and because I’d done everything in that time I’d come home and steel back my sleep by napping with the baby because everything was done then I’d pick up kids often putting the prepped dinner in the slow cooker or it was already cooked in the morning so just re heat put school clothes in the wash with all the morning stuff and we would eat chill put everyone to bed early and I’d go to bed early because that 4am start was life changing and weekends were quick easy meals or eating out washing done on a Friday evening and Sunday night shopping delivered on a Friday evening but weekends were nice no washing no real cleaning just enjoying the kids even though on the outside it looked like we had are life together If I could go back I’d be like the other mums and just forget perfection and just have mess be late eat breakfast for dinner because that stage of life was exhausting because I was hell bent on it looking perfect I envy that dog hair that normality you have right now this moment this cycle of life your in I envy exactly how your handling it in a normal way don’t ever try to be a perfectionist at this stage of parenting it can ruin you mentally and physically and emotionally just enjoy the normal life you have
I realise it’s considered a luxury and with the cost of living crisis it’s not possible for some but getting a cleaner for 2 hours a week has made such a huge difference to my mental health. I’m on maternity with my second baby boy and as you say, just keeping on top of washing and tidying is a full time job. She comes on a Friday morning so we “tidy” Thursday night (shove stuff in cupboards / drawers and make sure washing up is done & away) do that she can just focusing on cleaning. I then use that time to take the kids out for a few hours and coming home to a clean house almost brings a tear to my eye it’s so amazing. I’m still constantly trying to keep on top of the house, without this I would be in despair. I’m so grateful we’re able to afford it but I’d sacrifice something else to be able to.. it’s so worth it.
We are literally living the same life I swear. I've been watching since you first had George and you helped me soo much through the first year of my first babies life (also born September 2020) like weaning him and helpful meal ideas etc, and now I have a 4 month old too. Going through the exact same struggles. Keep going Shan, we've got this 💪🏻💞
I know not everyone can afford it but honestly a fortnightly cleaner has saved me! Working full time with a 2 year old and 30 weeks pregnant I just can’t do it all! I felt guilty at first but it’s made a huge difference to us! X
You are doing amazing !!! A perfect house is completely unachievable with kids, I’ve just learned to accept that! I would really recommend the chom chom roller for dog hair it’s absolutely amazing, so easy! X
Thanks for keeping it so real currently on maternity with 20 month old and 5 year old (and dog lol) and it's refreshing to see someone online so realistic and relatable ❤
Love this! Thank you so much ♥️♥️♥️
Wow I’m on maternity with exact same 3 year old and 8 month old
I feel you girl
Your smashing it !! 💜inspirational 💕
hey love! definitely doing smaller bits on a daily rather than leaving it all to add up till Tuesday will be lots easier. If you can try to always cook larger portions of dinners so that it lasts 2 days in a row, for example a large lasagne or a large casserole etc that way you only have to worry about the cooking bit every other day and on the day you aren't cooking you can use this time to get on top of the housework. You'll be amazed how much time not having to cook and wash up loads of pots and pans will save you. x
Love this tip! Thank you ♥️
I have come to realise since having my second that I can not do it all in one day I have always done everything in a day with my first born but the second I have comes to terms with it I can do lots of things on different days. I used to clean the bathroom in the evening it was the only time I had time even now it find it easier to do down stairs morning up stairs evening.. it’s hard cleaning is never ending but you no it will be there waiting for us tomorrow so we got to give in sometimes and just lay on the sofa and watch what we like on tv for once while the baby naps! 😂
Doing amazing mumma ❤
You are an absolute superstar, Shan! My kids are similar age to yours, I’m also on mat leave and honestly, sometimes I’m struggling. I prioritise them, then myself (shower, skincare, 30 min exercise) and we cook most meals from scratch. We got a cleaner fortnightly to do the entire house (she takes 3h) and in between we manage to keep it tidy. I don’t know how you do it, kudos to you!
I'm planning on getting a cleaner in once a month once my second baby arrives I feel like I would be 2 embarrassed with the state of my home for them to come into 😅🤦♀️🤣
Molly is such a calming dog.x
I’ve seen lots of your videos,but don’t know much about your dog Molly.❤
I have a 2 and 3 year old and work 3 days a week and I essentially have a chore rota for myself. Mondays clean the kitchen sides, cupboards, microwave etc. Takes about 30-40 mins. Fridays is bathrooms again 30-40mins. Sweep and hoover every other day which takes about 10 mins. Washing most mornings on timer from night before so that’s done first thing. It is doing something every day but shorter periods and don’t feel guilty for not doing something on a day knowing it will be done the next day etc. fun fact our kitchen and floor is the exact same haha. Just sharing in case it’s helpful! You are doing amazing x
I really like this method, I’m definitely going to take a leaf out of your book 👌🏼xxx
Also, loveeee that you have the same kitchen (aren’t the Matt blue doors a chore to clean haha!)
My granddaughter hates the Hoover since birth she’s now 3 😂😂😂and I have to announce to her listen prep yourself nans turning the Hoover on she walks to the sofa and covers up her soul with a blanket and doesn’t move til I finish honestly she’s a nervous wreck if I don’t give her a pree warning the shakes screaming absolutely petrified it’s wild so now we have a system
@@HomeWithShanhow new baby hop she ok
@@charlieehstephenson4893amber grandparents are looking after her Monday and Friday all day time
I found having a weekly cleaner helps me keep on top of things and feel less stressed and be more present with my son (as I am not always thinking about all the things I need to do). Also weekly online shop and fortnightly meal planner. They are only really little for a short time, I just want to enjoy it and give them my all! Also make sure your partner is pulling his weight, just because you on mat leave does not mean it should all fall to you!! Looking after children is the job in itself.
I love your videos and watch when I can! Very relatable. I keep telling myself plenty of time for deep cleaning later in life but it doesn't stop it playing on our minds does it!
Then we throw Christmas into the mix too! Its nice to know we are all in the same boat xx
Christmas decs are going up this weekend and I’m plucking up the courage to DEEEEEP clean the living room before 😂♥️
@@HomeWithShanlove your video s
Honestly your totally right, it's almost impossible with a toddler and baby and I feel when people make it look easy they are setting other mums up to fail. I have a 5 and 3 year old (and work 3 days a week) now and I'd say I didn't sleep through the night for 4 years but slowly I do now get a whole night and now they both watch a film and I can clean the bathroom! They even help tidy up. It does get easier I promise. I think the key is to plan time really purposefully - time block - I use google Calander so for example not having to make 2 trips out but if I need petrol and shopping for example to do it together. I also have strict bedtime (now they older) and do all bedtime routine together. My partner does it 3 nights and I do 4 nights so I can do something on the other nights from 5pm even if it's just cleaning. When they were littler I would also split my chores into ones I could get done with the children and ones I couldn't e.g. I could put washing away whilst looking after baby but couldn't clean the bathroom. It's so tough but gets easier your are super women looking after 2 and RUclips! Xxxx
Thanks for the transparency - we're almost 8 months in and still sleep deprived! 😅 Would you be willing to talk about your babies sleep?
Love your videos so much they are so relatable. I have a nearly 2 year old and 4 year old and work 4 days a week. I struggled on maternity too and still do now, just have to try and fit stuff in when working from home now! It’s a juggle and you are doing fab and love that your showing real life! X
Ahh thank you so much 😫🥰 it means a lot to know we’re not alone in this haha!
Honestly, going back to work on top of everything else actually scares the hell out of me… eeek!
Thank you so much ♥️
Thank god for you Shan, I had a meltdown to my husband about all this last night. Feeling so overwhelmed at the moment (I have a 22 month old and a 9 week old) and the house is gross but no idea how to get it all done. Your videos keep me sane. Thank you ❤️
I legit had the exact same meltdown the other day (not helped by my first period since having Halle..) - the overwhelm is reaaaal 😂😅 I’m so glad that my videos bring some sort of comfort, that makes it so worth while ♥️
You're doing such an amazing job! 💪 This is basically an unsolvable problem 😂 but it doesn't stop us all stressing out about it (I'm the same). I know not everyone is able to afford it but I've found having a cleaner come in fortnightly just for a few hours makes a massive difference; she does the deep cleaning (and she is amazing at it) so I just need to keep on top of the more surface level stuff like wiping surfaces and hoovering, which is tough enough with a 12-week-old and a 2-year-old! Not sure if that's something you'd consider and I know it's not something everyone can do but it's been a game changer for our family
I’ve thought about this so many times, but always thought that I’m being silly that I should even need one while I’m off work. I also don’t know the cleaner etiquette 😂 like, does the house have to be tidy and then they can clean it? Cause that alone is a struggle 😂😂🫠
@@HomeWithShan it also took me a long time to get over the whole 'but I'm at home!' thing before getting a cleaner and not thinking of it as an obscene luxury - totally get this! But I spent my first maternity leave listening to loads of audiobooks (while pushing the buggy in the rain! 🤪) written by writers on motherhood, about how caring for children full time *is* work and *is* the equivalent of a full time job (by the time I went back to work and my daughter started nursery I realised this was 100% true - tbh my desk job is way more restful and easier than looking after my kids full time!) and those women totally convinced me it was okay to still need help with cleaning even though I was technically 'at home' (I wasn't really, since I was looking after babies full time and the point is that's a job in itself!). My husband is totally on board (in fact getting a fortnightly cleaner was his idea) and he and I split the rest of the cleaning and housework 50/50 (and we split childcare and non-childcare 'work' 50/50). Our cleaner is amazingly good, and she needs the work, so I guess I also look at it from that perspective too (plus she even helps hold the baby or entertain the toddler briefly if necessary!). Whatever you do, whether you outsource some of the cleaning work or not, you're doing an amazing job raising your kids and keeping a happy family home running 💪 😁 xxx
I haven’t had a full night sleep since before my son was born 21 months ago. Back to needing me to sleep for naps and during the night he’ll sleep until 4am alone then into our bed. It’s the best it’s ever been though 😅
Oh lovely your sleep deprived don’t worry about your house just do your best. You will get there. Set timers to do a clean maybe? Just do it once a week perhaps? Don’t give your self hard time. Maybe a Sunday and get ash to take both kids out? Only ideas lovely xx
I feel like this everyday. There's always something to do! With the kids and animals it never feels clean! I just bought a robot vacuum because I was feeling so overwhelmed with trying to keep up with the cleaning, not like I can afford to be spending my money on things like that but I was so fed up of vacuuming multipul times a day
I do the organised mum method - but I re jig it to fit my working pattern ! Really helps ❤️
I resonate with this so much! I feel like I never get chance to clean properly I just scratch the surface quite often with baby wipes! The washing, the pots and looking after children is a full time job let alone the rest!
Amen!! 😂😅
I needed this today. My house is the same and I keep thinking what will it be like when I’m back in work too xx
It’s such a tricky one, how, literally HOW will we do it 😅🫠xxx
I have a 4 month old, almost 2 year old, dog, cat, I work when kids asleep, have a chronic illness and do 90% of the chores myself, fresh cooked meals, no family support and i dont use childcare. I feel your pain girl 😅 xx
Omg I resonate with this so much. I have a 4 year old and 11 week old and omg my house is constantly cluttered and messy and like you I can't remember the last time I did a deep clean but the thought of juggling this with work too is just overwhelming! And same I feel like having maternity with one is so much more easy going than with 2 I literally feel like my maternity is non existent lol just know your not alone in this ♡ xxx
Ahh, I’m glad it’s not just me then - it’s a VERY different experience this maternity leave isn’t it 😂😅 xxx
So true! It’s a never-ending job especially when working. There are things that have to be done everyday like washing up but then do stuff like hovering, laundry, mopping etc every few days. Basically a kind of rota where I’ll split the jobs over the week. On my non-work day I try to change beds and do 4-5 loads of laundry so it’s a bit easier to tackle a new load every other day after that. We got a clear every fortnight to do the deep cleaning so it makes things a little more manageable. Some days things are left and other days way more is tackled than expected.
The title alone had me subscribed. ❤ Excited to watch more of your content
Awh so glad to have you lovely!! Xxx
We paid a cleaner for 2 hours on a Friday and she cleaned the shower and bathrooms, vacuumed the stairs and mopped right through. We did the surface clean each day and then Friday came around again and the bathrooms and showers and vacuumed the stairs again. Perfect
I feel your pain so much with the dog hair!! We have a German Shepherd snd people think I'm lying when I say that she loses her hair ALL YEAR LONG. 😂
Its just soul destroying when you run the hoover round, and then 30 seconds later its covered in hairs again 🙃
The hairs always bothered me but it's 100x magnified since having baby girl!!
I 100% can relate to this video ❤
You do your best and give yourself grace. On days you have more energy you do a bit more, on days you are tired, you do the basics and let the rest go. I do a 20-20-20 routine mornings and evenings. Mornings is: 20mins getting myself ready, 20mins getting kids readyand feeding cats (including breakfast and is usually broken up, not 20 mins at once, but I do time it) and 20mins picking up/making beds… whatever is most pressing in the house. Timer + STOP at 20mins to not get exhausted. I might not look perfect, but I do get dressed,do a quick skincare and a bit of makeup, eat my breakfast and have coffee. If you keep your makeup bag and scincare streamlined and prep outfit the nigt before AND have always the same breakfast😅 (good quality tasty cereal with yogurt in my case) it’s doable. My evening is 20 mins pickup the house (I usually prep outfits while doing this), 20mins in the kitchen and again 20mins for myself. I don’t include dinner in this and my husband gets kids ready for bed while i pick up/clean the kitchen cause, honestly, without any help, I couldn’t do it.
It doesn’t always get done cause sometimes we’re just tired, but it keeps everything in decent shape and I really noticed the difference when doing so regularly.
I LOVE this method - I want to implement this so much haha! ♥️
Ah this is my life! I only have a 11month old but wow it’s overwhelming trying to manage everything! Tempted to get a cleaner to do a deep clean so I can start fresh 🙈
A couple of suggestions for Mollie’s hair, as we have a similar dog:
🐕 An oxo good grips furlifter brush is amazing for clothing and bedding.
🐕 A small metal carpet brush is great for the car and stairs.
🐕 If you want to get rid of shedding completely for a few months then take her for a proper dog grooming session. Our dog didn’t malt at all when we rescued him as he’d had a professional groom. Now he malts all the time!
:)
Amazing tips I actually need these 😩 I have a Pomeranian cross Chihuahua and he's 7 and since being a mum I have been so slack with his grooming I always half ass it 😅😅 definitely going to get him in for a proper groom every other month instead of few times a year 😅
It’s so hard to get it all done. My house is always a total mess and I’ve just got one 2 year old. You’re doing amazing!
It’s the toddlers that make the most mess, let’s face it 😂😭 it’s a hard one, but it’s comforting to know we’re not alone haha! Xxx
Our house is constantly covered in dog hair and mud! We have a lab who lies down for every dog she sees on walks so a non muddy return from walks is impossible this time of the year. We only ever do top up cleans, and the only reason I'm not hopelessly behind on laundry is because the baby loves watching me hang and put away the clothes, so thankfully it doubles as entertainment for her 😅 I fantasise about getting a cleaner all the time haha
Fp i take my hat off to you, my little boy is 15 weeks today, my partner works full time,
I barely every leave the house especially alone i find it so difficult because whenever i go out alone something happens or gets in my way ect,
So i spend all day in the house cleaning just to feel like ive done something, if i spend the day on the sofa with my boy i feel guilty but then feel guilty when i dont also haha . X
Just keep swimming ❤❤🐠 proud of you 😊🎉
I'm so glad you made this video lol 😂I genuinely am ashamed to admit that I haven't actually CLEANED my house in god knows how long, it's just basic maintenance at this point. I'm hoping when I'm back at work next summer that I can use the extra money on hiring some help...
I'm also with you. There's no way you can be mentally sane, clean, look after everyone, and have a clean house. I try and rotate the house and me 😂
I wouldn't worry about the bed wetting though..he's 3 X I kept my kids in pull ups at night till 4 and half X and put puppy pads down on the bed under the bed sheet to help x
I should be doing a food shop whilst kids at school but watching you instead lol 😂.
💗
Your an amazing lady and mummy xxx
I don't know if this will help but I try to prioritise cleaning upstairs including the bathrooms on a dedicated day e.g. Monday (my only non-working day) and then I do downstairs around the kids as I spend 90% of my time down there anyway so can just clean one room at a time during times of the day when they are eating, playing nicely or even watching a bit of TV.
That deffo is helpful! I think I need to get a bit of a cleaning routine in place rather than doing it alllllllll in one day hahaa xxxx
I have four week old twins and I’m thinking about investing in getting a cleaner. We can’t do it all and I think it will be worth the spend to keep us sane.
Why don’t you use some of your RUclips income to invest in a cleaner. You can always make more money but you can’t make more time 😊 you’re doing great ☺️
Don’t wanna say nothing long but well done to you
So glad I'm not the only one living in a bombsite 😂
Absolutely love your videos :) may I ask where you got the sofa covers from? I’ve also got the Snug in taupe and looking for a similar style cover xx
Totally know the feeling! I see all these little things that need doing but i don't have the time or energy! Skirting boards are so dusty, but I prioritise taking the kids outside and maybe mopping the kitchen floor or clean the bathroom instead.😂
Been doing laundries in the evening and throwing it in the dryer before going to bed. Or stuff just doesn't get done.
Suddenly I'll realise, oh shoot, then bedding has been 1,5 week ago, sh*t! 🙈 Hectic life of two kids!
Now we are all coming down with a cold so the energy will dip even lower. And our girl is sleep regressing and hitting milestones and sleeping bad for it! 😂 Bring on Christmas holidays!
Edit: and we've started with the first purees this week. So that takes 20 minutes at lunchtime off that I'd normally spend doing some bits and bobs while my son eats lunch and watches tv! 😂
Heyy, I have a son same age and completely dry in day but evenings we had the same kept having accidents, was driving me mad constantly washing sheets & duvet. A few people said to me children aren’t often dry through the night for some time especially not at 3, so just put him in training pants overnight to help me and him. Tbh some days it’s bone dry but I couldn’t see the point in trying to push it especially with a 7month old.. might be worth a try for now to take some pressure off you x
Also we have 3 dogs and horses, I invested in 2 robovacs off Amazon which are on every day when I go out. Amazing how much they pick up and I just do one full vacuum end of week x
Hi loving your videos 😊 xx
Thank you lovely! So glad to have you ❤
Hi Shan, I’ve just discovered your channel. I follow the TOMM and it’s really helped. Gemma from The Organised Mum Method has a channel on here and an App too xx
But most of all remember to be kind to yourself especially in this stage of life when you have little children x
Very difficult- naturally you want a clear environment for a clear mind but it’s not always possible.. Be kind to yourself as this is just a phase! You can always buy George a working baby dyson and get him on the hoovering 😂 xx
Totally! I know you’re right, it’s not always as simple as clear house, clear head haha! But oh gosh I would love George to do the hoovering 😂😂 that’s a good shout for Santa this year haha!
I'm a self employed cleaner and I would say I go to alot of mums and that's the secret lol 😂 and no I have 4 kids and there's no secret it's lower your standards . And remember it gets easier I had 3 kids 3 and under that's my advice . Be kind to yourself xx
Get yourself a pet hair remover roller! They are absolutely magic! Im a cleaner and saves me loads of time.....xx
Adding to my basket now!!!
I love you three Mem
It’s sleep you give up sleep don’t do it I’d wake at 4am and do a quick workout bath eat prep lunch dinner do finances clean up then I’d just enjoy the peace and quiet rest and gently wake my oldest he enjoyed the slow mornings not rushing breakfast ready warm bath then he would read a book or play then I’d wake my middle one and do a similar process but breakfast bath and he would join his brother then I’d tidy up their room make beds Chuck the washing in the machine wake the baby get him ready my eldest would give him a bottle and I’d clean the bathroom get him in the pram that was full of book bags etc from the night before and kids brush teeth and we would leave and honestly it was the only way to not be a screaming headless chicken 😂😂😂I gave up 2 hours of sleep and because I’d done everything in that time I’d come home and steel back my sleep by napping with the baby because everything was done then I’d pick up kids often putting the prepped dinner in the slow cooker or it was already cooked in the morning so just re heat put school clothes in the wash with all the morning stuff and we would eat chill put everyone to bed early and I’d go to bed early because that 4am start was life changing and weekends were quick easy meals or eating out washing done on a Friday evening and Sunday night shopping delivered on a Friday evening but weekends were nice no washing no real cleaning just enjoying the kids even though on the outside it looked like we had are life together If I could go back I’d be like the other mums and just forget perfection and just have mess be late eat breakfast for dinner because that stage of life was exhausting because I was hell bent on it looking perfect I envy that dog hair that normality you have right now this moment this cycle of life your in I envy exactly how your handling it in a normal way don’t ever try to be a perfectionist at this stage of parenting it can ruin you mentally and physically and emotionally just enjoy the normal life you have
How are you doing Mem
Please book yourself into a hotel for one night and leave the kids, house and dogs to your partner. You need a break ❤
Welcome you mem..
Hi.. Mem
Where are you from mem