My brother has a playroom for his kids, it’s right off the kitchen so he can hear them and look after them but then when they go to bed he can close the door on the mess etc. If I had room in my house I’d do the same. But I don’t, so I have a toy box and I tidy and then relax. And it’s fine. Everything is workable if you’re willing to be a bit flexible about things. I think that dead passage would be perfect for Grey, she could have some toy boxes and a floor mat and she could sit and play with her toys while Lily makes lunch, or tidies the kitchen, or replies to emails. I’m not for one minute suggesting that someone should ignore their children all day long and get on with their own stuff, but it’s very healthy for your child to do some independent play for some time and it’s the reason most working parents function.
I also call bullshit on her video today- saying they didn’t stretch themselves with their house and bought based on what Rich could pay because they weren’t sure of Lily’s career prospects... why is Rich working part time then, surely it makes more sense to put Grey in nursery for a couple of days a week and the keep the “steady” worker intact.
also “the one thing I regret” - you say that all the time about different things. She really ballsed up this house!