How to keep your sanity?

My kids are 9 and 6. I have been a stay at home mom since I got pregnant with my first child. My sanity retention program has rotated over the years. One thing I have done consistantly is to do my best to have at least one date a month with my husband. Life goes by so fast and I think it's easy to lose touch with each other, the date is time to think of nothing but each other. Make a list a baby sitters, make of list of things you like to do together and make a date. Other things I have done, I went to the YMCA. They watch the kids, I go get in the hot tub and excercise. I know several mothers who have done this and it works well. Check into activities to do with the kids so you aren't sitting around all day long. The library usually has regularly schedules events for children. Take them to the park, check into children's museums, they usually are pretty cheap. There is also a groups called MOPS, MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS, look it up on the net and see if there is one close to you. Lastly, make good use of the time when you have nothing to do. Naptime, after the kids go to sleep. I scrapbook, and do other crafts, it's very relaxing to me, time to myslef. I noticed when I just veg out and watch tv alot I tend to feel rundown, I feel better seeing things I accomplished. Hope this heps ya.

Just relax, take some time out for yourself, read a book, listen to relaxing music that you like, just by yourself (I know that time is hard to find, but believe me, you need to.) With twins and a three year old I must say that I applaud your efforts. Just keep relaxed, get enough sleep, and love life. As far as remaining in control of them goes, don't lose your temper and keep to whatever discipline you use. Don't ever step down from it. Children learn from consistency. Just being happy is also a good way to help with children. Being happy a lot of the time is a decision.

Try to remember that this time will go fast and soon the kids will be grown. It is hard to manage and we are all paying the high price of this war. Think of how fortunate you are to have healthy children as I have a handicapped daughter that I will have to care for til I die and I would give anything to be able to argue with her about all the fun and not so fun things in life.You are lucky even though you are worn out and times are hard but try to make a little time for yourself even if it is drinking a cup of tea when the kids are asleep. I wish you the best and mean no harm when I say you have the best world if your babies are healthy. Be happy.

When my daughter had colic; my ex. was just a loser; I'd go out side and scream at the top of my lungs... it helped my come back to my senses. Take them to the park now that it's warming up; let them burn off the energy.

ditto

drinking and smoking and cursing..