Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Really 55 hours per week is working a lot? In the DMV? I don't think so. Did you imagine this is France?
OP, I don't know how you can make it better, it is hard.
I’m lazy for working 40 hrs/week? I specifically got my 40-hr/week job to be able to afford to outsource and not have to do the frantic juggling OP does. Not my dream job, but I can’t complain about 145k, great benefits including generous retirement match.
I guess I forgot that I already posted...
I could get a different job that paid more but would require me work longer hours. I wouldn't be able to get home before my son gets home and be there for him after school. So that is my choice and I am comfortable with that choice.
OP made a different choice, and that is totally cool. But being home so the kids can watch 1.5 hours of TV or use screens strikes me as an interesting choice. It saves on aftercare and lets the kids come home. It gives the kids something to do while OP is finishing her work. OP knows this is not ideal but she can't do her work while the kids are asking for her attention, which is what is likely to happen if OP turns off the screens.
OP, I would recommend an aftercare program that you like. Can the kids head to Tae Kwan Do? Get in some exercise and complete their homework while you finish working?
Anonymous wrote:Why aren't your kids making their lunches for the next day and helping with dinner and cleaning up the house?
Since my daughter was 3 she's been throwing out the garbage, folding pants, socks, pillowcases and small towels that come out of the dyer. Since she was 4 she's been setting the table (I used to take the plates out for her). Since she was 3 she's been helping with dinner.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Would you consider getting an au pair? That way pick up, homework supervision, light cleaning and some very light meal prep would be covered by the time you walk in the door. Of course you might not have room in your house or you may not want an au pair for various other reasons but it might be worth considering.
I get the sesne managing a household employee would just add to OP's stress and I don't think this would fly with the DH. I think aftercare would be a better solution.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:That 90 minutes of work time while your kids are home is what's killing you. Instead, put your kids in 90 minutes of aftercare, get your work done, and pick them up while fully engaged.
+1 Or go into work earlier if you can, and swap your gym time in favor of active time with your kids. They're old enough to run/bike etc.
Anonymous wrote:That 90 minutes of work time while your kids are home is what's killing you. Instead, put your kids in 90 minutes of aftercare, get your work done, and pick them up while fully engaged.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Really 55 hours per week is working a lot? In the DMV? I don't think so. Did you imagine this is France?
OP, I don't know how you can make it better, it is hard.
Yes, it's a lot. Plenty of 40 hr/week jobs.
Yes, all the doctors just work no more than 40 hours per week. And earn ton of money to throw money at the problem. You sound like a lazy person.
Anonymous wrote:Would you consider getting an au pair? That way pick up, homework supervision, light cleaning and some very light meal prep would be covered by the time you walk in the door. Of course you might not have room in your house or you may not want an au pair for various other reasons but it might be worth considering.
Anonymous wrote:Of course he doesn’t come home until dinner time. I’d like to walk in right at dinner time, too. He can prep dinner in the morning (cut and wash all the produce, etc.) and you can cook it when you get home. Yes as to other suggestions of kids should be making own lunches and increase cleaning service. They probably don’t need showers every day so see what can be streamlined.