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I get up at 6 a.m. : Early mornings are cooler and better for physical work.
Thankfully, laundry and lunch is now the domain of the kids. In regard to putting them to bed, that’s what I did when they were little. Put them in bed and turn out the lights. Computers, phones, Tvs off an hour before bed to calm their minds. I go to bed early because I love my sleep so as they get older it goes get harder but if you’ve already gotten them used to the idea that the parents are the boss they’ll generally do as you ask even if you are already asleep.
It’s hard when both parents are working to find time to teach the kids how to make their own lunches, wash dishes, do a load of laundry, sweep a floor, etc but in the long run, well worth it. Maggie Dent says you should never do for kids something they can do for themselves. That might be a little extreme but I do think a lot of kids lack chores these days. It’s tough when they are little but even a six year old can help with dishes or their lunch. You may think they are “too young” but you can forget teaching teenagers new tricks, you’ll die of nagging first.
Your expectations of how the house should look and what is important may not align with your wife’s (ironing doesn’t happen here). It might be worth while to have a family meeting and air the fact that you feel unsupported and let your wife tell you how she feels. But you should know parenting is like shoveling snow in a snowstorm. It’s messy hardwork that can feel futile at times, we ‘ve all been in the trenches with you. If I’m feeling overwhelmed I take supplements like fish oil, turmeric, St John’s Wort (and try and limit my drinking and timtam consumption).
I’m the primary cleaner, shopper, cooker in my family and I’ve learned the more I do the less they need to do. I hope you are able to sit down and make a chart of chores but if all else fails go on a limited strike. Don’t clean, buy paper plates, etc. It always worked for me!!!
Good luck and know it will get easier!! Ann
P.S. Slowcookers are awesome!! On nights when I’m doing tutoring/football runs or home late I throw together a curry in the morning and it’s ready by dinner. We get Willing Workers on Organic Farms so often I’m cooking for 6 or eight people.I do huge batches of chili con carnes, spag bog, shepherd’s pie filling, etc and freeze in large tubs. Just pull one out for dinner. Also roast 2 or 3 chickens at a time on the family webber. Roast chicken is great in laksas, stirfries, sandwiches or even just with a simple salad.
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