Life with 3yo and 5mo - just surviving it, not enjoying jt

[BotBotticelli]

Is this normal??

Thought things might be a bit easier by now but no. It's just really hard work!!!

End up doing fucking daft things to try and get ds2 (chronic nap avoider) to have a sleep, which impacts on DS1's day.

For example, this afternoon at 1630 bundled everyone up into winter clothes for a pointless 20 minute walk to the nearest shop to buy DS1 a packet of chocolate buttons because ds2 hadn't napped since 2pm and would never get through till bedtime without a little catnap, but WILL NOT sleep in his cot in the late afternoon.

Is this just bonkers? Or a perfectly reasonable thing for a mum to do?

I just feel like I must be getting something wrong cos out day is hanging on by a thread the whole time - ds2 just started weaning and is unsettled all the time (teeth?), don't know when he is hungry or not, gah- just hate the baby phase!

Please remind me that this will be over soon and he will be a more sensible toddler who eats three meals a day and has one nap after lunch????

[BabyTheCaveLion]

You have my sympathies, I am coming out the other side with a 3 year old and a 4 year old.

Do whatever you need to do to get through the day in one piece. I still go out for needless drives when one or both of mine need a catnap.

Good luck and drink wine

[Seeline]

I had almost the same gap between my two (2yr 8 months). I'm afraid I stuck to DSs routine and the baby just had to fit in. It seemed to work. Kept going to all his toddler groups etc, kept meal times the same etc. He had stopped napping so maybe that made it easier. DD seemed quite happy, and is a very relaxed 11 year old now.

[Enjoyingthepeace]

Just remember. Might seem daft to you, but to your 3 year old it's a little adventure.

My youngest never wanted to cot nap in the afternoon . I think they have sensory overload by that point. So for that nap, and that nap only, would be take in the sling or pram. Just accept that that is the situation, because in a matter of a couple of months , it's unlikely he will need a late afternoon nap. You sound stressed but I think you're on the cusp of it getting a bit easier

[Frustratedmummy79]

Definitely can empathise - have a 3yo and 8mo and it's bloody hard work! I have never worked so hard in my life, sometimes feels like it must be bedtime and it's only lunchtime! I think having children at such different stages but still requiring a huge amount of parental support for pretty much everything is exhausting, then add in the broken nights and it's no wonder we find it hard work. I have to look out for the little things that make it worth it such as hearing my DS "reading" a book to the baby. You're definitely not alone and it will get better

[FreeButtonBee]

I have a 4 mo and almost 3yo twins. My life is filled with pointless exercises. Sounds fine to me!

[bebo100]

Completely understand. Have a almost 3 year old and a 6 month old.

Our whole days (and nights) were spent trying to get the baby to sleep. He couldn't unless he was on me, or being pushed in pram, driven, but that mostly meant he just cat napped, as couldn't look after / entertain a toddler without moving, which would then wake the baby.

About a week ago decided we had to fix it as it wasn't fair on toddler, as he was just being stuck in front of TV, while baby slept.

So put baby in cot for all naps. I sat with him, but he still screamed very loudly at the new method for the first 2 days. Now though, 6 days later I'm able to put him down and he falls asleep after just a few minutes of chewing on his toy monkey.

Horrible first 2 days. But overall we're all much happier. Baby isn't overtired and cranky. Toddler gets some attention and time.

[CockwombleJeff]

It can feel like that on and off for years !

Mine are 8 and 10 and I feel like that currently .

It's all part of the exhaustion of parenting OP.

[Bananice]

Mine are 15 months and just turned three now. I vividly remember that my then 2yo DS had many an evening meal of takeaway sushi in the pushchair while I marched up and down the road with 4mo DD who desperately needed a 5pm nap, but only in the front pack... In the end I got a routine in place at 6 months and it was a thing of the past. I thought it was ridiculous but DS loved it! It does pass, but in the meantime, it really is a case of surviving and doing whatever works that day. Good luck!