Feeling like the joy has been sucked out of parenting

[bojangles]

Sorry in advance for moaning but I am struggling with it all at the moment and I need a bit of tea and sympathy.

I have DD age 4 who has just started reception and we are going through a difficult time getting her settled.

We also have DS age 2 who is lovely but very energetic and that stage where he throws himself on the ground frequently.

I am also 26 weeks pg - I am diabetic and my health is not great - I am really struggling with the preganancy and have been signed off sick for the last 3 months. I have a lot of anxiety about the preganancy caused by my health issues.

I am tired - I don't sleep well and the days feel like an endless list of overwhelming chores that have to be finished.

I have some help from my Mum and was trying to arrange a mother's help for after school but that fell through and I don't have the energy to start looking again.

I can get on with the practical side of parenting but I am grumpy and bad tempered and simply not enjoying my exisitng children. The thought of the new baby in the equation is making me very worried.

Any tips on trying to perk myself up.

[likessleep]

Sending tea and sympathy to you.
Just remember you are doing a fantastic job and that this is just a lull. You will manage brilliantly with three children. But being pregnant is knackering and hormonal at the best of times, let alone with also looking after two children who both require time and energy.
Is there anyone else you can ask for help?
Try not to beat yourself up about it, just getting through day to day is all you can do. Don't do things that don't absolutely need doing and try to get as much rest as you can
Maybe try to get out of the house and go somewhere. That way, you can't do the chores and even if just for an hour or so, that relaxation may help give perspective.
Take care - sending virtual hugs to you.

[bojangles]

Thank you Likessleep - does doing the weekly shop at Sainsburys count as getting out .

DH is very helpful and has agreed to finish early once a week to help with after school.

I will try and get an afternoon nap later and hope that I perk up.

[oneplusone]

What you are feeling sounds perfectly normal in your circumstances. Don't beat yourself up about it. Get as much help as you can. Try and find yourself a mother's help, it's worth the effort.

Parenting is not, in reality, always the joy it is portayed as, it is a lot of the time just bloody, relentless, hard work. This is something I have had to come to terms with recently as I felt the 'joy' was missing from my life, but it does appear occasionally and I accept that that's the way it is at the moment.