Balancing Chores and Child Care

Being the mom of a single 10 month old -- that's right, ONE BABY --, I can only imagine what it must be like for stay at home moms with two, three, and four kids. I am very young and have never had to care for young children before, yet I am expected to be both mom and care provider to this little boy. What kind of activities should I engage him in? Is it a good idea for me to have the t.v. on cartoons all day? Should I be playing with him more often?

On top of the child care--feedings, diaper changes, nap times, bathing--I am still expected to maintain an orderly home. Wash dishes, fold laundry, vaccum, make the bed, cook dinner, etc. When do I complete these tasks? Should I be doing them during nap time, or is it okay to leave him alone in his playpen while I fold some clothes? All of these things I do anyway. I don't spend every minute of my day with him. I am beginning to realize that waking up when he does is not the best option for me.

I am also a business owner who has clients to attend to regularly and I will soon begin online college courses. I started reading a book about organizing my life. It's called Simplify Your Life: Get Organized and Stay That Way! by Marcia Ramsland. Great read and it has really opened my eyes to my bad habits. For instance, not putting stuff back where it belongs after use. The house will always be clean if things get put back where they belong and there is always a proper place for things. I need to restrict myself to sleeping only seven hours a day during the week and eight hours on the weekends. If I do this, I will gain about two hours each day for me to get stuff done!

Just because I'm a mom, doesn't mean I've got it all figured out yet! It is definitely a learn as you go journey.