AnchorMommy

Mom Hacks for a two-kid household

October 12, 2010 by Shannon

So, remember last week when I talked about the not-so-bright-side of having a new baby? Life is certainly a little more complicated now that we’re a family of four. However, I’m shocked at how well I’m able to handle two kids at once. (That can change from day to day, mind you. Some days, I feel like the most inept mom on the planet. Like the day Kellan decided to play “forest” by going to the bathroom outside. I can’t really bring myself to write about the details yet, but let’s just say he did NOT GO #1.) I attribute my small victories not to sheer parenting genius, but to finding shortcuts and tricks. So without further ado, my top three Mom Hacks when it comes to managing two little people.

1. Sssshhhhhh! We’ve had to declare the master bedroom a “Quiet Only Zone” since that’s where Ella spends most of her sleeping hours. After Kellan burst into the room several times (and followed up said burst with a loud THUD as he tripped and fell to the floor right next to her bassinet) we had to have a little talk about how to be quiet. In fact, almost every day we have a talk about being quiet. He needs a LOT of reminders.
2. Bribes. Okay, I’ll be honest. I was a pro at bribing Kellan even before Ella arrived. I was able to nap almost every day by telling Kellan, “If you fall asleep at Quiet Time, you’ll get a surprise when you wake up.” But now, bribes are not just used for convenience. They are a necessity. For example, “If you can get yourself dressed and quietly play in your room while Ella sleeps and Mommy showers, I’ll get the fingerpaints out when I’m done.”
3. Mommy’s Quiet Time. Who says you can’t nap once you have two kids? I’ve discovered the perfect strategy. You put the baby down for a nap. (Which is nearly unheard of lately, as Ella enjoys sleeping in 15 minute increments – barely enough time for me to sort a load of laundry and brush my teeth.) Then you announce to the preschooler that he can watch a show! Then just flip on PBS, turn on the baby monitor, and crash out on the couch for 30-40 minutes or so. Kellan becomes glued to the couch whenever he watches a little TV. It’s the perfect way for me to sneak in a little nap.

I’m also learning that I have to let a lot of things go. But one thing I now know from experience is that kids really DO grow up fast. So when I’m not exhausted or ripping my hair out with frustration over preschooler attitude, I try to take a mental picture of my kids and the stage they’re in. I know one day I’ll long to run my finger over the tiny dimples on Ella’s knuckles and hear Kellan’s little voice say, “Mommy? I love you.”