[StorkWatcher]

Hi! I'm a mom to one 1 year old. I think I've done pretty well w/ the single child thing.

Recently, we've needed to take in our two neighbors' kids while their dad is in the hospital. We'll probably continue this for several more weeks.

We've started keeping them at our house at nights, because I wasn't doing well being away from the baby at bedtime/overnight and trying to run the 2 households.

I want to keep their routine similar, yet I can't care for them well unless my routine is also the same as it has been, as much as possible.

I work full time. There is a girl who is 12 (almost!) who is very helpful, motherly. The little boy is in kindergarten and is 6.

For the first time, we're trying to juggle school and homework, meals and dishes, holiday activities, daily routines, etc. And oh my gosh!!! LAUNDRY for 2 households!

Their parents let them watch WAY more TV than we would allow and they eat a little less healthy, so I'm trying to be lenient in those aspects a bit. (MAN - I had no idea kids ate so often!!!!)

We're starting to settle in. Their mom is trying to come home once every few nights to see them and sleep in her own bed (poor thing!).

Any tips on juggling everything would be great. I want to be sure they feel loved, safe and cared for at all times, while still giving my baby the attention he's used to.

The kids are GREAT! No behavior issues. Just a little too used to being able to laze around. I try to give them different activities/games/things to do to keep them busy away from the TV.

Thanks in advance!!!!!

I'd love any helpful advice!!!