I was just wondering how you get things done around the house with a toddler? When my son is awake, I can't get anything done because he is right behind me and into everything. I am trying to get my house in order for a baby shower this weekend, and the only time I can do anything is when he is taking his nap in the afternoon. But that doesn't give me enough time. I like to keep my house neat all the time, but that is almost impossible now, even when my husband helps! Any advice?

Unfortunately I do not have much advice to give since I have two toddlers at home and I also like to keep my house tidy and get things done around my house as well. The only thing that I do is get the little tasks done while they are awake and when they have a nap do the bigger tasks done. I still manage to get everything done with two kids and take them to all of their activities etc. Some days it is a chanllenge.

Well, my house is a mess so take my advise with a grain of salt. The only way I can get anything done is by letting my daughter help or think she is helping in some way. When I vacuum she has to sit on the couch and protect all the stuffed animals from the vacuum. When I sweep she has to have her own broom and dust pan too. She also helps me unload the dish washer, non-breakables and dull item only. It takes longer but at least it gets done. Hope this helps, good luck and I feel your pain.

Thanks! I'm not complaining; just trying to find out if anyone else knows any way to do it. I have been trying to do it like HL1 said-little things when he's awake (along with spending time with him, too, because he loves for me to read and play with him) and bigger things when he's asleep; he naps for 3 hours every afternoon. After this shower, I am planning on completing his scrapbook, which is almost finished (the first year), so I'll have to be doing it when he's napping. Anyway, things get done, it's just hard; I was just wondering if there was any easier way! The only other easier way that I have thought of is to get the whole house clean at one time, and then go over one room a day while he's napping in order to keep it that way- I just haven't disciplined myself yet to do it that way! It just takes alot of energy to keep up with everything.

HA, I think that's a mothers main question in life. When my son was smaller (he's 2 now) my house would be spotless. Now I'm picking up and cleaning every day! It seems that's all I do! It will look gorgeous, clean, and refreshed one minute.... the next the terrible 2's tornado has swept through. We're working on him picking his toys up when he is through playing, but for some reason we aren't on the same wave length.

i let my daughter do the little things, like put the shoes on the shoerack, put the clothes away in the dressers etc. she's 3 now and can fold small towels, put dishes away, wash walls, clean her own room, strip the beds, and she uses the hand vaccum to clean under beds and places that are harder for me to get. it goes alot smoother if you let them help. takes longer but it works.