to dread and really not enjoy the school holidays?

[horriblemotheragain]

Day 3 of the Easter hols and I'm already a whinging hag, shouting at my children, despairing about and hating my house, wanting to just cry with frustration and boredom. DH is working abroad (and has been working abroad on and off for four months with brief interludes of one or two weeks at home - when he works 12 hrs a day and does help with the children but has to be told exactly what to do usually). I love my kids, of course, but they are 6, 3 & 1, so don't really play together, or if they do it very quickly breaks down into arguing and crying.

I just don't know what to do with them. I try making cakes with them and I get all controlling about the mess (even though the house is a tip anyway), I try getting them to build a den and they just end up arguing... I am so bored of mediating and breaking up fights...

Monday & yesterday were OK as we were out for most of the day, but today it rained so we were stuck in.

I just end up putting the telly on to get some peace for ten minutes or so (or longer sometimes). I'm surrounded by washing, toys and general mess, and have absolutely no motivation or energy to do anything about it. I can't even have anyone round as I feel too embarrassed about my inability to cope.

I'm a SAHM and I just think - did I get a degree for this? To spend the day loading the dishwasher and yelling at my kids? I know I'm feeling sorry for myself and this is what I chose, and it won't be for ever, but I just feel crap at the moment. My youngest is 21 months, so this can't be PND, can it?
Anyway, I'm boring myself now. Just needed to vent really...

[fourstickymitts]

I know exactly how you feel, and I only have two. You must have the stamina of a long distance runner to be surviving three! My DH is away abroad, too, for work for the first half the Easter torture holidays. Best bet is to say, "Stuff the housework" and just go out for the day with them. That's my plan for tomorrow. Can you maybe leave one and or all of them with Grandparents, or similar? Even for a couple of hours? Just to get a breather.

I also have degrees, tried working part time for a while but what I earned vs the childcare costs didn't add up, so I stopped. On good days I love being a SAHM, on days when my three year has been a stroppy little whatsit and my 7 year come homes from school tired, with major attitude, I hate it. Lets be honest, housework is not exactly intellectually stimulating. But that doesn't mean you can't find ways to keep you brain active, it's about finding some time for somewhere for you.

I'm sure you could find hundreds of women on this site who feel the same as you. You are not alone, plus there is also the freedom that comes when you youngest starts school.

[horriblemotheragain]

BTW, this thread posted twice for some reason! Sorry!

I don't have any family who live close enough, unfortunately. My parents are both 2 hrs away, and the ILs are tied up with building works etc, as well as being a good hour away. My mum is coming up later in the month when DH will be away again, but TBH she causes more mess and somewhat expects meals put in front of her, cups of tea etc, while she watches her soaps! She is good with the kids but isn't into reading them stories or whatever (well, not for more than five minutes!).

I will be stuffing the housework tomorrow too. We'll walk to the shops, feed the ducks, and maybe even have lunch out... sod it.

i do find time for myself, unfortunately it means I end up going to bed late which makes me more grumpy the next day! at the moment I desperately need a shower and it's already 11pm! Ugh.

[SkinittingFluffyBunnyBonnets]

I'm the same! I hae 2 and they are 6 and 3. and DH worked abrad for a year last year. He came home after 5 months and then went again for 4! Tying to imagine a 1 year old chucked into the mix!

I was a right miserable old cow today...same reasons you give...stuck inside,shit house...DH working nights so he's tucked up in bed in the day!

Well I work frigging day AND night as I am self emplyed!

I made the DC a tent in the garden and gave them a load of sweets to take in! That gave me some peace for half an hour.

[horriblemotheragain]

Yes, money would help! Even having a long weekend to look forward to, in Cornwall or something, would be lovely. No holiday planned this year as we're skint.

I think I'm actually quite a lazy person, to be honest, and can't be arsed to organise treasure hunts!

[princessparty]

Youi have to get out of the house.

[dearyme]

i would agree with taking them out every day

my dogs are the same if they dont get walked every day, they get bored and silly, so we go rain, shine, snow or sleet