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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Relationships

Does anyone enjoy spending time with pre schoolers?

15 replies

NamelessMcNally · 02/08/2013 16:48

I know this is the wrong place but I kind of need a slap into shape.

I have two DC age 4 and 2. A day with the pair of them just feels like such a bloody slog. I enjoy moments but overall I wake up feeling way more positive on my work days than my home days. They just don't listen and some days, like today, I wish I'd never had them. As much for there sake as mine.

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ImNotBloody14 · 02/08/2013 16:51

You have my sympathies- those are tough ages!

I enjoy my dcs when i have them separately- together they are hard work.

Does your 4 year old go to pre- school? Or summer scheme?

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WhispersOfWickedness · 02/08/2013 16:56

2 preschoolers are definitely hard work!

I have a 3.7 yo and nearly 2yo and they are hard work together. The nearly 2yo is also hard work on her own. The 3yo is delightful though and I love spending time with him on his own. Think the nearly 2yo is the common difficult factor!
Do you find them easier on their own?

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NeedlesCuties · 02/08/2013 16:57

Same here!

3.5 year old and 11 month old here. Days are looong!

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Squitten · 02/08/2013 16:58

LOL - are you me? I also have a nearly-5yr old and a 2.5yr old and they are HARD work. Not helped by my being pregnant and so less inclined to be endlessly patient with their crap!

Definitely agree with the above poster - try and get some seperate time with each of them. I get lots of time with the younger one while the elder is at pre-school (soon to be Reception!) but I've made an effort to start taking my eldest to the cinema if we have a free Sat and then a nice lunch just the two of us. Reminds me that he CAN be a very civilised kid :)

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insancerre · 02/08/2013 17:00

I must be mad or maybe it's different when they are not your own but I love spending time with pre-schoolers. It's my job and I wouldn't want to do anything else.
I did also really enjoy my own children at that age too.
Now teenagers, don't know how people mange to spend all day with them and stay sane

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Wishihadabs · 02/08/2013 17:04

I do. But then I thrive on routine. Loved watching them develop and being in control of proceedings. They are 7&9 now and I feel like a chauffeur come chef come social secutary.

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bestsonever · 02/08/2013 17:06

Lol, I've got 1 DS, I remember a work colleague once saying that 2 are easier than 1 as they play together. Call me cynical about that, but I remember fighting plenty with my DB growing up and my usually lovely DS is quite capable of turning into a giddy, mischievous child when he is with his mates. I think 1 is definitely easier than 2, however, they all develop greater independence the older they get so become less draining.

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NamelessMcNally · 02/08/2013 17:09

Thank heaven! Really at the end of my tether today.

DD was at pre school but is now half way through the long summer holidays before P1. I have her in a summer scheme on the days I work but nothing on the days I don't. Think I may try to add the odd morning or afternoon session for a little sanity. Everything with DD is always a fight. I never thought I would have a DC who was just such hard work. DS is just your average dangerously crazy two year old and I think he is acting up as he was always used to some time just the two of us when DD was at pre school. Doesn't help that he is teething.

Only 4 weeks until term starts!

Thank you all for letting me know its not just me.

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ImNotBloody14 · 02/08/2013 17:14

Yes i think getting her a few mornings or afternoons on no. Work days will help- it will also help to split up your day a bit and keep a bit of routine, give you a bit of time with just ds and give her a bit of space from both of you.

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NamelessMcNally · 02/08/2013 18:16

Yes. I'll speak to the lovely lady Monday about a few extra sessions. Thank heavens I posted as turns out DH is not getting home tonight due to the wonders of our local rail system. I would have had a total flaming meltdown if I hadn't already shared with you lovely lot.

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ImNotBloody14 · 02/08/2013 19:06

Keep sharing! You are definitely not the only one feeling like this.

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Ohhelpohnoitsa · 02/08/2013 19:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

thegreylady · 02/08/2013 19:19

I loved having my dgs for the day but it wasn't all day every day.my two were 4.6 years apart so I never had two toddlers at once.

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LanguageTimothy · 02/08/2013 19:25

I always found having a plan helped. Working out on Sunday what we were going to do each day (with wet/dry variations.

If they are driving you up the wall get out the house, park, museum, swimming, art galleries, arrange play dates. Go for a walk and feed the ducks etc. anything to keep the active and moving.

Fresh air will be good for you all and it will tire them out.

I was at home before my two started school and I loved it but having structure to my week really helped.