I have a two year old and with the summer here I want to be able to do so much with him when I get home from work. The past few weeks at work I have been so busy and by the time I pick my little man up I am so exhasted I just want to pass out. How do you find that extra energy to do things after work? I work a 9-5 job, the sun is up for another 4 to 5 hours after I get off of work. I want to do so much with him when I get home. I have learned to put games together at home but he is two. He wants to play out side, go to the park, go swimming. Any suggestions where I might be able to get that extra bust of energy?

You can do what I do...

The other day (actually late night) I was exhausted,...but I want to go see my favorite local R&B Diva...So I went! Had a great time...and was exhausted...but SO....I'm Always exhausted! LOL

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How do you find that extra energy to do things after work?

prioritize -- it saved me a few times

I'll drop the small stuff i can pick up later and plan time for my kids so I can save energy to be with them.

Having a system for routine house stuff works too.

I don't always get to do everything I want or get things done, so I try to be kind to myself.

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Originally posted by Cfrances1227:
He wants to play out side, go to the park, go swimming. Any suggestions where I might be able to get that extra bust of energy?

Hi,

I'll take a nap a couple of times per work week especially when I'm exhausted. I find that gives me some energy to continue my day.

Here's some things that have saved me over the years...(my son is now 7).

-Do cooking/preparing of meals/snacks for the week on Sunday. Store in individual containers.

-Or, make extra at supper and store the rest in containers for the following days lunch.

-make jello for the week in the small glad lock containers. (1 pkg = about 5 servings)

-take advantage of pizza deals - get more and then bag each slice for lunches.

-on Sunday's make pancakes - store in individual plastic bags in the fridge. Nuke in the AM for breakfast. He can eat while you're doing your hair/making lunch/makeup/etc.

-take advantage of car time.....sing songs, do alphabet, "eye spy" games, License plate games, etc....carrys on when they are older. Also fosters good communication skills when the get older as well....ask "how was your day? - What did you do/learn?" etc. It gets them talking and you are sharing in their life away from you.

When it comes to playing outside...I know how hard that is...it's a boy thing that you just have to deal with. I myself drink Pepsi for my energy boost...not saying that's the best...but I have started leaning towards Special K vanilla crip cereal bars...they are a god send and offer a low cal boost.

A few years ago, I took some of my refund and went out and bought all sorts of sports equip...bat, glove, ball, soccer ball, basketball and tennis rackets and balls. On the nights that aren't so hot, we play soccer/b-ball....on the days that I am tired/hot...we play catch...(we don't practice hitting anymore in the yard because he's better at it now....and I don't want to have to fix a window.);-)

Being organized helps tremendously and learning that the dust bunnies can stand one more day w/o your attention is an art form. Designate a time to do housework and give your little guy chores to help...I let mine empty the dishwasher at 2 (not knives or glass but the pots and pans, etc.) He also had to make sure he put his clothes in the hamper, keep his room clean, help with taking in the groceries and trash....I started out giving him 50 cents a week for his "chores". (Plus they keep this up too! though the clothes in the hamper is now a little harder..LOL!)

I hope these little tips help you and know that playing in the yard can de-stress you too! It sounds warped - but it does work.

Take care,
Caitlin

I could use some advice in this area too! Last night I layed down with the young sleepy one to rub his back while he fell asleep and guess who else fell asleep at 7:00 p.m.!!! I got absolutely nothing done. I had a ton of homework and a ton of laundry to do. I should have done some packing for the weekend camping trip. Usually I pack a lunch and lay out the next days clothes... The up side, I was awake early this morning and now they are letting me take some time off in the middle of the day... Lifesaver!

I've learned over the years that if you conk out with the little ones your body needed to recoup....go with it every now and then. It stops you from getting completely run down (and sick).

That said, I do the same on the clothes front...though on Sunday (when all/most of laundry is done) I put each outfit on hangers together (shirt/shorts/pants) and hang them from left to right. Then I just have to grab and go. (I do it for me and my son.) Doing things on SUnday (and after you get in a rythm) it only takes about an hour (except for the cooking part). It frees up time during the week at night for homework, playing outside, etc.

If the kids get grouchy while you're starting to get into a rythm, get them involved! Make it like a game and the reward is you get to spend more time with each other. What kid doesn't like that?!?!

Caitlin ~ Thank you, I guess I should try and take a little more advantage with my sunday afternoons. I thought I was pretty organized and had things together but you did give me a few more ideas that I can try and work in. I love you idea with clothes. I am one in the morning to have no clue what I am going to wear. The little guy is always easy to get everything together. He is always planned out before the week starts. I should start planning my self out. Thank you all for the advise. With the summer I just can't stand being stuck in the house b\c I am so drained. I need to just pick my butt up and move...

I have to say thank you as well. This sure has helped me with my "too tired" when I get home problem. You guys are awesome!

I would not survive without Vitamin B12

I have tried vitamins but I don't feel like they do anything. Is there more of one that you should have rather than all of them. I think I have tried a few daily ones. Has a little of everything in it.

I use protein bars for the quick pick-me-up. You eat one as your getting ready to go out (finding shoes, making sure they go to the bathroom, finding socks, putting shoes one, going to the bathroom again, making sure they don't have to go, finding whatever coats/outerwear they need, making sure they don't have to go again -- can you tell i have a small child!!).

By the time I actually leave the house, the extra energy has kicked in and voila, i'm good to go play.

I get mine in packs for about a $1 a bar, off the internet. Mmmm chocolate mint! But pick a flavor/price you like. They are pretty much similar i think.

I'm having the same problem, only I work a different shift almost every day, so it is pretty much IMPOSSIBLE to get a set schedule going... and of course living it lovely Ohio, it has been WAY too hot and humid to go outside... and when school starts back up (the 27th)... I will have even earlier mornings and later nights... any suggestions from anybody who has done full time job, full time school, and a 2 year old?!? I failed one, almost two classes last semester, and I cannot afford for that to happen again....

I have RA along with two active boys. I try to do small chores here and there during the week so I don't have to do them all at once on weekends. I just go with the flow and push myself to be active. I also follow a very early bedtime so I can get the sleep I need.

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Originally posted by Firegal06:
I'm having the same problem, only I work a different shift almost every day, so it is pretty much IMPOSSIBLE to get a set schedule going... and of course living it lovely Ohio, it has been WAY too hot and humid to go outside... and when school starts back up (the 27th)... I will have even earlier mornings and later nights... any suggestions from anybody who has done full time job, full time school, and a 2 year old?!? I failed one, almost two classes last semester, and I cannot afford for that to happen again....

"Life is like a box of chocoltes youe never know what your going to get"
" Breath, breath in and breath out"