A little too much?

[myusernamesucks]

I'm a single parent to a 18 month old DS. My ex (sons Dad) is lightly involved and helps a little financially. Most days we are very happy, he is a generally happy child and we just get on with life, however I've started feeling recently like the odd day Just gets all a bit too much for me like everything goes wrong all at the same time! Today I've had to just put paw patrol on for DS to watch for half hour so I can sit and cry have a breather. I am very lucky to have parents who are also mildly involved and they love DS and vice versa and I work 3/4 days a week. AIBU in that I get overwhelmed sometimes and how do I get over it? Thank you!

[Yawnyprawn]

YANBU. that all sounds like bloody hard work. Paw patrol sounds like an excellent choice, you're doing what you need to do to stay sane! Do you have anyone who could take him for an afternoon so you can have a bit more downtime?

[Aquamarine1029]

What you just described is called life with a young child. We all deal with it. All you can do is keep your chin up and power through. You're doing great, I promise!

[Trialsmum]

If the worst thing you’ve done is put Paw Patrol on for half an hour then you should consider yourself superwoman...

[Haberpop]

Completely normal, life with small children is indescribably overwhelming at times (even when there is nothing in particular to feel overwhelmed about!). You are doing just fine.

[loubielou31]

Life with a small child is really tough and it is really normal to have a little moment every so often. When my Dc' s were small and either they or I were just having one of those day I used to stick them in the bath. They were happy playing and I could just sit on the loo (to make sure they didn't drown each other 😀) but not have to entertain or talk to them. Bath time used to happen at half three some days.

[Birdsgottafly]

I've had three, as a unsupported LP. My DD went on a City break and I minded my GD, who was around that age. It was tough going. Children vary and they aren't all as easy as some, so don't think that it's you that's not managing.

I'm not saying to wish him to grow up quickly, but this stage doesn't last long. I know that he'll have started to develop his personality, but at two, they are proper little people and delightful, the tantrums are worth it.

[Sammymommy]

I felt like that by 9.30 this morning. There are some days like that. Better to put paw patrol on and have a break than losing you calm, rigjt?

[Birdsgottafly]

Also, don't feel bad about using the television, at this age. As long as there is a balance, screen time is fine.

[myusernamesucks]

Thanks everyone!! I think I've got myself in a rut cause my parents (mainly my mum as my dad still works) always offers to have him for a few hours/afternoon etc but then I feel like I shouldn't be relying on her or other people!

DSs Dad has him for a full day the other day for the first time while I was at work (7:45-3:30) then had the cheek to complain about how hard it was! He's having a major paw patrol obsession atm so I'm condoning it!

[TroubledLichen]

I’m married and still feel the need to resort to paw patrol sometimes! We all get overwhelmed. You sound like you’re doing fantastically, hats off to you

[myusernamesucks]

@TroubledLichen thank you ☺️☺️ although if I hear the theme song 1 more time I might Have to throw something at the tv

[AreWeDoingThisNow]

I not a single parent and I have felt this way more than once, especially when DH is working away. Hats off to anyone who manages alone.

I recommend Hey Duggee.

[myusernamesucks]

Glad it's not just me that struggles sometimes!!

Another thing tho that gets me - how do people cope with children, jobs & housework and 'adulting' in general?! I feel like it's literally impossible and I only work 22-24 hours a week!! My flat right now omg I don't think I've hoovered for about 2 weeks 😫😫☹️☹️

[AreWeDoingThisNow]

We both work full time and have 2 dogs as well. As long as all the living things are exercised, clean, fed, the dishwasher and the laundry are the only things we keep on top of. The rest gets done when it gets done, which generally means it's a mess.

[Moominfan]

Grand scheme of things nobody will remeber how clean your flat is. Your doing a tough job and if forgoing the cleaning is as bad as it gets your clearly doing great x

[myusernamesucks]

@Moominfan you say that but my mum does! She's lovely and I appreciate her so much for everything she does for me and DS but she will come round for example and lecture me on how the flat is because it's messy and then I feel awful. Yes she keeps her house spotless and I admire that but in the nicest possible way she doesn't work and when we were kids (my brother and I) she always had my dad around so I feel it's incomparable. Still makes me feel awful tho - like if she did it and other people can do it why can't I

[RedForFilth]

I literally don't care about the state of the house now! I work at leadt 40hrs a week, single parent to a toddler and care for elderly grandparents. My house is always clean but always messy! Anyone who has an issue with that isn't welcome.

[StepAwayFromGoogle]

OP, I have a whirling dervish of a three year old and a seven week old. Trust me, everyone is an expert when the children and the house aren't theirs. Just ask your Mum to put a lid on it. I had to do the same with mine.

And half an hour of paw patrol is absolutely nothing. I dread to think how many hours of TV DD1 has racked up since DD2 came along. Just do what you need to in order to survive and don't beat yourself up about it.