[msarkie]

I'm sending out an SOS here.....

My son is 8 and my dtr is 6, they are in 2nd grade and kindergarten. I am finding myself TOTALLY unable to keep up with the paperwork and schedules and projects and permission slips and homework and AAAAAGH! My son has homework every day: read out loud to me, practice his spelling words, fill out a physical fitness form, complete a special project for GT. My dtr is just starting to have homework, hers is mostly reading together with me, but next year she will also have it every day.

We have kept extracurriculars to the bare minimum: my son plays baseball and that's it. But that takes up 2-3 hours (including travel time) twice a week for practice plus two or more games a week on the other days. I would love for my dtr to take dance or gymnastics but I can't see a way to manage it.

How have other MS moms managed when their children are young? They are able to do a lot for themselves, much more so than other kids their age, but there is still a lot I have to do for them.

I think the worst part is, they get home from school about 3:45-4:00, right about the time my fatigue/lassitude takes over. Some days I'm so sleepy and out of it I can't even talk straight. DH doesn't get home until 7:30 at the earliest, and often more like 8:30, so it's just sleepy ol' me and two kids watching way too much tv.

Does anyone have a good system that they used to keep things organized when their kids were in school? I really need useful advice from those who have been there.

[Kitty]

I wish I had solutions for you. I admire all you Mom's with small children and MS. What a combo! I remember when my boys were this age and it was exhausting without MS......I can't imagine how you do it.

Is there a teenager in the neighborhood who might like to work for you a couple of hours in the afternoon? Maybe they could help with homework or just do activities with the kids while you get supper ready or rest.

I hope others here have some good suggestions for you.

[SallyC]

I had my first big exacerbation of MS started when DD was 3. In hospital and then DXed by the time she was 6. I was in a remission for awhile and I just managed. She was just into the first grade.

Good luck and good wishes..

[mochagirl13]

Are there any colleges or college students wanting to be teachers near you? When I was attending college for teaching, I always needed students. We had the homework club where I helped students with their homework. I had to do this as an alternative to some field work because I work during the day. As for their after school activities, do they have parents that carpool the kids? You can try that or if not already set up try speaking with the other parents.

Goodluck!

[Debbie D]

I was also going to suggest seeing if you can find a HS or college student who could do their homework with them...and get into a car pool for those practices, at least...
bless all of you MSers with little ones...

[nemsmom]

My kids are 7 and 5. She is in first grade and he starts kindergarten next year.

We don't do any extracurricular activities, can't afford them financially or time/travel wise. I can't drive at all anymore so the only way we get around is the rare chance my husband can take us, or when family or friends do.

Play dates with friends and their kids help give them something to do while I mainly rest. This doesn't help at all with housework. My house tends to slide as far as my work around it. I do my best, but my kids and my husband come first. I make sure they are fed homework done and the attention they need. If the housework slacks too much my hubby helps, he will also help if I ask.

The neighbor girls, who are a little older, are always willing to come over and play/entertain the kids when I really can't do anything.

As far as paperwork, if I don't do it daily when it comes home, I will forget it! Homework is done as soon as she gets home as well. It's the only way I can remember to make sure she does it.

I also help the neighbor girls with math homework when needed. This helps make it not so one-sided that they help me so much!

It really does take a village around here and I'm very thankful that I have a "village" that is willing to pitch in so much. Much more than just the things listed here, but I try hard not to ask too much of anyone!

[doydie]

I don't have any kind of answer except exchange doing something for a freind/neighbor for them to take kids to practices. I am so glad that my oldest was graduating from college when it hit me bad. I really admire all of you Moms. And when I read the articles in the different MS magazines it's you guys that make such an impact on your kids life. It's your tenacity, love, giving 110% when you only have 40% for yourself.

[Dejibo]

my advice is talk to them. Let them know that while you are excited by what they are bringing home, sometimes mommy (explain a tiny bit about MS) needs time before she can help you, because she is making sure we have dinner to eat. Clean clothes to get to school the next day, and name your other chores. Ask them if they want to help with any. Folding clothes is of great value! who cares if they are perfect?! Washing dishes in an important part of participating in the house.

My children had their own colors. If the blue basket was left out, I knew Matthew had not picked up or put his clothes away. Was the blue toothbrush dry? that means he didnt brush. Blue cup in the living room means it was him that didnt put it in the sink. yes now and again someone grabbed the green cup when it wasnt theirs to drink from, and left it behind, but it was rare. Organize, organize. organize! Have them help each other. this will increase their bond, and decrease rivalry.

Good luck. Kids are hard, even when you can do full speed.