My suggestion - decide what is critical, what is important, and what you can deal with. Those items on your critical list (such as laundry, dishes, cooking suppers, cleaning up after animals if you have any, etc) are the ones that MUST get done daily, every second day, etc. I have a full time job, only one child, and a husband who works shift work. Because of this, I decided to make up a list of who is responsible for what, and when. Don't be afraid to get your kids to pitch in - they live there too, don't they? :) Start simple - teach them how to sort laundry, look after pets, help with the dishes, etc. Make SURE they are responsible for picking up after themselves - if the just come in the door and drop whatever they're carrying every day, that ends up being a big pile of crap by the door. If THEY have to clean it up, they might be more aware of what they're doing with their stuff! You didn't say how old the kids are, or whether dad is working/helping, etc, so I hope that this at least gives you an idea where to start. Depending on your financial situation, you may also want to bring someone in to do the basics (toilets, windows, vacuuming, etc) once a week..

My motto would be unless it looks dirty, it ain't. I would keep up on laundry, dishes, and floors. That's it.