help with multiple kids.....

Okay..... I have an almost 5 y.o. and almost 3 y.o. along with 8 week old twins. I am home (previously ftwm-----teacher). I have little help. My mom helps as much as she can, but my father has cancer so she doesn't like to leave him too much. Everyone else in my family works and there is no one local on dh's side. We are down to one income,so $$$$$ is tight for extras or to hire someone.

Needless to say, I am feeling overwhelmed, particularly in the mornings (2 babies to feed/change, big kids getting dressed, breakfast, and getting all of them in the van when they have preschool , etc. ) My ds also gets into everything he is go go go all day long and can be challenging as he has some special needs. He also receives 8 hours a week of EI and my older daughter often disturbs those sessions bc I have to be present and she wants attention.

So basically not sure what i am asking here but am wondering if anyone with several children have suggestions for running things smoothly? I am open to anything! Also, what do people think would be the going rate for help in a situation like this? (I would also be home). I know I need help, but not sure we can afford it.

Re: help with multiple kids.....

Is there any way you can schedule his EI sessions for the morning when DD is getting ready for school; and put DS and his EI teacher/therapist in another room so they aren't disturbed? Then at least he is occupied while you work on getting DD ready. And since she is almost 5, hopefully she can be a bit independent with eating & dressing as long as you put everything out and set it all up for her...so that if you have to deal with the babies while she eats, at least you'll have a free hand while she eats a bowl of cereal or a yogurt or something. I'd also make morning meals and stuff easy...like cereal, yogurt, etc.

Re: help with multiple kids.....

I have triplets, one with special needs, and While I have not pursued this option due to space issues, the hands down most cost effective solution is an au pair. If you have the space, it's the best deal in town. The going rate for triplets is about $250/week for 45 hours of work. For a mothers helper type (since you are home) I would think the cost is about $15/hr. Care.com has a calculator that will figure out the going rate for 4 kids in your area. I pay a little more than that for mine but I am told I am on the high end. Like you, I am home with her.

Can you schedule your sons EI when your daughter is in school? I am putting my other two boys in a 2 yo program just so I can do this, since they have become so disruptive during his sessions.

Also since your son is almost 3, will he be transitioning to cpse soon? In which case could you put him in preschool and have him receive services there? I think you can even transition to cpse at 2.9. I think if your older two were in preschool and your son was receiving services there it would be much easier for you!

I was on the fence about an au pair versus preschool and decided my money was better spent on preschool. But I know people who are really happy with their au pair. Good luck!!

Message edited 6/15/2014 1:51:07 AM.

help with multiple kids.....

Do you know anyone you could bring in as a mother's helper? I used to help with my cousins from the time I was maybe 10. Maybe a neighbor, niece, or friend's kid once they're out of school for he summer. That would be your cheapest bet and even if they just entertained the oldest one during your son's therapy and maybe did something with both of them afterward to give you a little break. I definitely agree about seeing if you can get the 3 year old into a preschool in the fall so that he can get his services there.

help with multiple kids.....

I like the pp suggestion about a mother's helper. They can help to keep your two older children entertained. I am sure their are many teens who need summer jobs. You can ask neighbors, friends, family for referrals.