"1 kid still okay, 2 kids & more must get helper!"
Personally we dont like a idea of a "stranger" living tgt with us - we value our privacy + im a picky person so i prefer handling the kids + cooking + chores ourselves!
How we manage:
1. Get all kinds of bots to help! Eg, robovacuum, dishwasher (idk why its uncommon in SG, we love it!), dryer (we dont have it but might consider in future)
2. Plan meals ahead and cook smart!
- thermal pot for soup (shopee code: BRH-DDQ-AYC) - i just throw in all the ingredients in the morn, bring it to boil, put it into the thermal pot and tada~ i've got warm nutritious & flavourful soup for dinner! Not to mention, saves electricity cause it doesnt require power to "operate"! I LOVE my thermal pot
- rice cooker one pot meals
- oven bake grill roast carbs/protein/veg all at once
3. When i was still working, i requested to end work an hour earlier so i could reach home earlier to cook dinner
4. My husband has a pretty flexible job so he could always be present in times of need, i.e child sick
5. Split the chores! Thankfully i've got a VERY hands on husband (if chores freq cause conflict between you and your spouse, i honestly feel its better to get help)
6. Have a timetable/chart for weekly chores so you can pace things out and not feel overwhelmed
7. Dont be super particular about the cleanliness of your house. For us, we gave up on ironing ever since we have 2 kids 😬 but thats cause my husband dont wear formal shirts often!
8. Ensure child sleeps well and EARLY, so you can have time for yourself/chores! Here are some sleep tips which works wonder for us.
So yeap, this is what works for us. But i can totally understand why many will hire a helper. Some days when i have to prep dinner and my toddler asks to play with him i would have to turn him down and times like this i wish we have a helper! But on a positive note, sometimes he takes up my offer to help me in the kitchen and we get to have fun tgt too!
Every family has their own dynamics, priorities and preference. Do what works for you and your fam! :)
But i must say i do have strong village support from my parents so whenever anyone of us is down due to an illness for prolonged period and cannot tahan any longer, they will come over and give us a helping hand :')
Managing a household with children, especially when you have more than one, can feel overwhelming. However, there are several strategies you can implement to make everyday tasks a bit easier. First, incorporating modern appliances like robot vacuums and dishwashers can save a significant amount of time—these tools allow you to focus more on your children while still keeping your home clean. Meal planning is another essential strategy; by preparing meals in advance and cooking smart, you can drastically reduce your stress levels during the busy week. Utilizing a thermal pot for soups, for example, can provide nutritious meals with minimal effort—simply add the ingredients in the morning, and you have a hearty dinner when you come home. Creating a shared chore chart or timetable with your partner can also alleviate burdens. This step helps clarify responsibilities and avoids conflicts regarding household tasks. Moreover, communication is key: discussing flexibility in schedules can ensure that one parent is available during emergencies, like when a child is sick. Lastly, it's important to understand that every family is unique. What works for one may differ for another, so find a balance that suits your lifestyle. As you navigate parenting, don’t forget that involving your children in cooking can be both a bonding experience and a way for them to learn important life skills—all while keeping the mood light and fun in the kitchen!
Hi :) thanks for sharing. Most of my friends in SG starting families employed a helper, but I was exploring the option of not hiring one in the future. I feel there’s a lot of other hidden unexpected costs with a helper, like the privacy issue, emotional costs when they have bad character etc. 🤨 but my friends ovs don’t have one and still manage to get by. So thanks for sharing your alternative lifestyle 👍🏻 and what are some considerations for this option