[nancynic]

biggest challenge as a working parent?

not enough time?
tired all the time?
child care?
getting ready in the morning and getting to work on time?

Write to us and let's brainstorm solutions for problems ...

NancyNic

[alicia hunter]

My biggest challenge is getting her ready in the morning. She is not a morning person and usually ends up having a fit. Another problem is that I am tired and have spent the whole day away from my child so housework takes a backseat to everything.

[nancynic]

Hi Alicia,

It's difficult, being a working parent! It takes so much energy!

In the morning, it's good to have a routine - routines help kids feel secure because they know what to expect. So things like when kids wake up, when they have breakfast, brushing teeth and getting ready to leave the house being the same each morning can help things go smoothly. Also if you can plan ahead each evening to have things ready to go in the morning that will help too.

I know what you mean about not having much energy for housework ... and that's OK ... because your children and work become the priority! As kids get older they can help out with chores so you have more time to 'play' together.

NancyNic
Parent Forums Moderator

[alicia hunter]

Our morning routine consists of this- I get completely ready to go, get her clothes out, wake her up, ask her to go potty, she starts screaming, I dress her while she screams, we run out the door and go to "school". At "school" we hang up her coat and start her playing at one of the tables, I give her a kiss and then it is off to work. She is a bit of a night owl and I can never get her to go to bed early, so she hates mornings. I've tried putting her to bed early and even started the routine as early as 6:30 and it is still at least 10:30 before she is asleep. It is fine for now, but heaven help her when she has to go to real school.

I know she looks like an angel, but her horns hold up her halo. lol

[shirleyh]

**Alecia that really tickled me how you put that about the horns holding the halo up. I see this in our church when it is our turn to do nursery.

My son is 10, and we still have difficulty getting out the door in the morning. And the thing I hate in the morning is when we've had a disagreement (he will argue that white is black til he's blue in the face) and he is walking into school in a bad mood, and I'm driving away thinking 'what if this was the last time I saw him, I wouldn't want this to be how I was feeling', and hoping that it doesn't ruin his concentration. So, I try to put an end to the disagreement as soon as possible, and get the negativity turned around to a more positive subject.

Also, we are having a hard time getting him to do the chores without a big production. We, of course, blame ourselves like what was it that we have missed teaching him that others seem to have caught onto.

Something that I am worried about, since we are in the process of an older child adoption, is our only child that has been an only child for 10 years is now going to be expected to share his major big equipment like his gamecube, computer, and movies. He is the type that is afraid that someone is going to tear something of his up. He has asked the usual questions, like "Are you guys going to love me less", or "The adopted child is going to get their way all the time." He still manages to be somewhat positive though and is still looking forward to having a sibling to play with.

[nancynic]

Hi Shirl,

I really like what you wrote about turning the negative around so that you start the day on a positive note ... it's so important!

thanks!

NancyNic
Parent Forums Moderator