Hi Mighty Mom
I was married at age 22. Had my first child at 23, 2nd child came the following year. Everything changed from day 1. I use to work like 10 hours a day when I was single and loved being a career woman. So when I married my then boyfriend I thought everything will still be the same, but as I said the kids just came flying out of me.
It was easy at first because I had help at home. They will help me with the kids when I had to go to work or run errands. Then everything changed when when my oldest son became 2 years old. His pediatrician would ask me about this physical and emotinal development and I would look at the nanny and ask then answered back to the doctor. The doctor just smiled but I knew what she was thinking.
I felt horrible leaving the doctor's office and found out that for 2 years I have not gotten to know my sons at all. I can't even remember the first day they started eating solid food or even what was their favorite food. to my shame I quit my job. My husband knew right away I wanted to be a mom.
I didn't fire the nanny right away though, I had to learn from her first and when I finally did I was a full time mommy.
Tip no. 1 Schedule
Develop a schedule or a routine that you guys can follow. This will give you enough room to move around.
Like 8:30 am breakfast
9:00 am to 10:00 am watch blues clues or whatever favorite is on /wash the dishes while they are watching
10:00 am to 11:00am let kids play/ while you wash or fold clothes
11:00am to 11:30 am bath time
11:30 am to 12:00nn let them watch something again/ while you prepare lunch.
12:30pm nap time. and so on
Tip no. 2 Meal time
Make eating time fun. I know kids don't usually enjoy sitting on the table and eating but here's a trick. Arrange the food in their plate. Make funny faces with the egg and the pancake. My sons were so eager to sit on the table to see what mommy had made them. Broccoli as ears carrots as a nose etc.
Tip no. 3 Let them play
When they play and run around they'd get tired. This will be great for them as excerise too. You will have a little peace when it's nap time.
Tip no. 4 You don't have to watch them every waking minute.
Unless your house is really big that you can't cook and not watch them at the same time. Situate your kids' play area where you mostly spend your time. If you have toddlers make sure you have a play pen and some music they can hear playing so they wouldn't get bored in the play pen. Remember child proof your play area sothat you don't have to keep worrying that they might pull a plug or break open a glass shelf.
Last but not the least, just have as much as fun with them. Don't force your children to do something just because you think they could be the next Mozart or Beethhoven or even Piccasso. Just watch and learn from them. Eventually you will see their talents then just harness them.
I am proud to say that my eldest son who's 10 now is a consistent honor student in his school. He loves reading and drawing. My second son is 9 and he loves playing his guitar and still enjoys collecting cars. I do have a new baby, he is now 19 months that I am proud to say I have taken care of since day 1. He signs what he wants and needs which I believe is pretty amazing.
Goodluck!
