get the children to help you... deligate (sp) chores. Teens do your own laundry, it does not sit in washer and dryer. Mom can take it out and sit on their beds. Save one day a week for power cleaning, ALL except for hubby (he works out) and does school....gets to be involved. My 4 year old use to keep his room clean. Did the best he could making bed, (I finished) was important he try. He had to pick up toys (I refused) if he didn't then he lost them for xx amount of time. I think we parents can become slaves if we allow ourselves. My daughter does not like house work (age 35) so if she is NOT disciplined how can her children be? They can't. Giving into our children does not make them become responsiable adults. NOT SAYING ANYONE HERE GIVES IN TO THEIR CHILDREN... only talking and sharing. I remember back home a woman actually went on strike... no laundry, no cooking, didn't place TP in bathroom and it took about 3 weeks before the family woke up and said gee maybe we better start helping mom. During that time Mom enjoyed MOM... She was also a working mother just like hubby. Guess you know that whole house did a change, with papa helping. No one should be taken advantage of just because they carry the title MOM. It is a wonderful title but we also are not slaves to our homes and families.