Handling Two Kids and Housework

You probably though you were unbelievably busy after the birth of your first child. Now you’ve got two on your hands. Well, this might be the time when Dad steps in and helps out more than before. Remind him of that old saying, “God did give Mother two pair of hands — the other pair is just on Dad’s arms.”

Here are some tips to help you in the meantime that might help with your sanity:

• Don’t buy any more clothing that needs ironing. Forget bedspreads, and just use coverlets that can be pulled up.

• Treat yourself to paper plates and cups for everyday use; cut down on dishwashing.

• Hire a baby sitter to play with your children while you do the housework. It’s less expensive than hiring cleaning help.

• Limit toys and other child and baby equipment to play areas and rooms where you can just shut the door on them, so guests won’t see them, and you won’t be driven crazy.

• Save yourself steps by carrying a baby around with you in a front or backpack while you work.

• And finally, if the day has gotten away from you, use one of the numbers of a fast food franchise that you’ve posted by the phone, and just have dinner delivered.

Vicki Lansky’s practical, common sense approach to parenting is familiar to millions throughout the world. Vicki’s first book, Feed Me, I’m Yours, published in 1974, and still one of the most popular baby/toddler food cookbooks in the country, was followed by The Taming of the C.A.N.D.Y. Monster, a #1 New York Times bestseller. Her other titles include: Toilet Training, Birthday Parties Best Party Tips & Ideas For Ages 1-8, Dear Babysitter Handbook, Welcoming Your Second Baby, Getting Your Child to Sleep … and Back to Sleep, Trouble-free Travel with Children, Baby Proofing Basics and Games Babies Play From Birth to Twelve Months, Koko Bear’s New Potty, A New Baby at Koko Bear’s House, Koko Bear and the New Babysitter, and Koko Bear’s Big Earache. Vicki Lansky’s Divorce Book for Parents: Helping Children Cope with Divorce and Its Aftermath