How to Crochet While Raising 2 Kids

As many of you know, I just recently gave birth to my second baby. No one tells you how hard it is to go from 1 child to 2 children. You plan and plan. You make sure you have systems in place for the new baby. You make sure the older child has a decent age gap between it and the second baby so they are a little self sufficient. You do all you can to make the transition easier on you, your spouse and baby #1 and yet, the minute baby #2 comes home, your whole way of life changes in an instant.

I wanted to give some well needed tips for mommas who are trying to keep up their household and still have some time for the things they love. For me, that's Crochet! You can ask my husband, when life gets a little crazy and I get a little anxious (ok a LOT anxious) if I go into a room with no one but me, my yarn and my hooks, I come out 2 hours later feeling like a normal human.

Here are my top tips for keeping up appearances AND indulging in a craft or hobby:

1. Make It Non-Negotiable

When I say "Non-negotiable" I mean, its a regular part of your daily schedule. If it's THAT important to you, you will make the time. My oldest has come to understand that momma has "Momma Time", I've been crocheting around him since he was 4 months old. When he sees me in my studio crocheting and watching YouTube videos, he knows that momma is busy. He plays with toys around me. He asks for lunch and snacks when he's hungry. He also just goes from room to room playing, and when he needs to check on me, he'll come in say "Hey momma!" and I'll get him what he needs. Kids are incredibly adaptable, so if you work on your hobby around them, they'll get to see you work, and they will create a new normal around it.

2. Have a Set Place Where You Work

I'm lucky enough to have a craft studio where I live so this was a no brainer when we moved in that it would be my office. If you don't have an office/studio/craft room like MOST people, then get a special corner by the couch. Invest in a desk or bookshelf for your living room thats all yours! When your materials are out and accessible everyday, you are more likely to use them everyday.

3. Use a Block Schedule

Over the past two years I have designed a little "At Home Schedule" for the three of us. It's always easier to get the thing you hate most, done FIRST so you don't have to worry about it all day. For me, that's laundry... guys, I. HATE. laundry. If I have to fold clothes for more than 15 minutes, I lose it. It will sit there for a solid week until we have to wash again. So, instead of putting it off, I like to do one load a day or every other day. My first block of the day is from wake up time (whenever that is) to nap time around 2pm. During that time I have a list of different things I can chose to get done. I can get dressed, workout, do laundry, make breakfast, feed the baby, or some other cleaning task. Then our 2nd block is from nap time - to when Daddy comes home. This block is pretty simple. Either I take a nap with the kiddos, or I get everyone down and I get to crochet in peace and quiet. 3rd Block is from when Daddy comes home till kids bed time. We eat dinner, do dishes and clean the kitchen, watch a show or play a game with Daddy, and then get kids to bed. After kids are in bed, it's business time! I get to get my most crocheting and business prep done when my babies are sleeping. So if you really want time to crochet or work on something just for you, create a block schedule. It will help you organize your time just enough to find those precious moments of "ME TIME".

4. Enlist Help

Daddy is my saving grace sometimes. When we've had a hard day at home or kids are sick or like now, how I'M SICK, Daddy saves the day, and gives me some "Momma Time" I know some are raising their kids by themselves, but if your lucky enough to have relatives or close friends that will watch your babies, even for an hour, USE IT. There are days where I am NOT a happy camper, and I need a dang break. Its rejuvenating to get some time to myself and not be MOMMA for a minute. Even my OB told me to do this! Ladies, take a break. No one is super woman in real life!

5. It's OK to Let Some Things Go

Yep, sometimes my dishes stay in the sink for a couple days. Yep, sometimes I forget the last time my kids had a bath. Yep, sometimes Wynn (my 2 year old) eats muffins all day. SOMETIMES is better than ALL THE TIME. You can't be MOM all the time (refer to tip #4). Crochet makes me happy. It brings joy into my life, my family's life, and the lives of those I serve with my gifts. If something makes me happy, I'm going to do it regardless of what needs to get done because I'm a BETTER MOM BECAUSE OF IT.

I know we all have different lives, schedules and kids, but for me and my family this is what works for us. I'd love to know how you manage to find time for the things you love outside of parenthood ( There are guys that crochet, ladies, and they are WONDERFUL) Leave me a comment on how you get through this busy life with time to spare for things you enjoy.

Joy and Love

Kelly