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My children have sucked the life out of me

305 replies

Cindy55 · 23/08/2019 19:14

I have three children under five, and I feel the last five years have been the worst of my life. I’m a SAHM which wasn’t my choice as we can’t afford childcare as my profession doesn’t pay much.

My kids are difficult, they cry 24.7, whinge and destroy everything they touch. Every simple task has become difficult, getting them to brush their teeth, eating their fruit and veg, brushing their hair, they act like feral animals all the time.

I rush everything all day, I’m rushing to have a shower, brushing my teeth, laundry, cleaning, hoovering before the next child wakes or cries. I’m lucky if I can brush my hair sometimes. I was eating an apple as fast as I could as my DD was whinging for something, I nearly choked and that’s when I broke down crying hysterically. That in my pathetic life I can’t even finish a stupid apple properly.

I have no support, DH works long hours as he doesn’t earn much so we need the overtime. He comes home at nine, by then I’m just a zombie watching any shite on tv. Then he kicks off as I’m not bubbly or attentive enough to listen to his work stories. From 6am to 7.30pm I’m just running after my kids. After 7.30 I put the house back together, clean kitchen etc. By 9, I want one hour to myself doing nothing not rushing anything, but I can’t as my DH wants company and chatter.

My friends and family live miles away, they don’t visit anyway as my kids are too much for them. Obviously we aren’t invited as no one wants three kids staying with them. My siblings don’t have any children and make no effort with mine. I haven’t made any new friends here, so its a very lonely existence.

I miss my old life. I miss working, wearing nice clothes, having a nice social life, having money to buy things, having conversations with people, eating out, exercising etc. I haven’t felt any joy in years, I don’t find happiness in anything anymore. Sometimes I wish that I wasn’t here anymore, that I just die in my sleep.

I don’t know what I’m asking advice for but I hate being a mother. I feel they have sucked every ounce of who I was, and sometimes I regret having them. So I feel like a horrible mother all the time.

I wouldn’t ever kill myself as I couldn’t do that to my kids and DH. However, I wish it would happen naturally, a drunk driver crashed into me or I collapse. I know I’m awful but I get no break, I wake up to a very loud crying baby and go sleep to a man telling me I’m such a miserable wife now. On the weekends my DH wants to relax so I’m still looking after the kids.

OP posts:
JaniceJoplin · 23/08/2019 19:21

Do any children go to school / nursery ? That is the light at the end of the tunnel for now.

I had a friend in your position and she got herself a Saturday job not to earn money but to get out and leave the kids with her husband for a day.

Although your husband is working, when he is not he needs to parent 50%. He can’t not be a parent just because he works.

ThereWillBeAdequateFood · 23/08/2019 19:21

You poor soul. Young kids are fucking exhausting. You have 3 under 5, no family support and your husband isn’t much use either. Of course you feel overwhelmed.

I think you need an honest chat with your Dh. I don’t think you are a bad mum just at the end of your rope.

MotherOfLittlePeople · 23/08/2019 19:21

I didn't want to read and run but please talk to someone about how you are feeling.

I can connect on some sort of level. I'm a mum to two 3 and under. Barley any support from family. DP works Monday to Friday 7 till 6. They constantly cry and whinge. Youngest will not sleep through the night so barley any sleep at all.

I've found I've lost me, like who am I? I don't know what I enjoy anymore. What would I do with a day to my self? Or a child free night me and DP? Every thing is so repetitive and although I have tried to get back in to work, I've not worked for four years and now most jobs say "must have a years recent experience" I never get a reply.

Being a mum is hard but rewarding at the same time x

Chickenish · 23/08/2019 19:20

I don’t think you’re a horrible wife or mum. I think you areexhausted. Your husband wants a relaxing weekend? That’s not on. He can’t do nothing around the house all week followed by nothing at the weekend. If he wants a cheerful wife, he has to help.

You deserve time for you.

HeffaLump1 · 23/08/2019 19:18

Ah Cindy that sounds really tough. The under 5s is a hard slog I agree. Do any of them go to nursery at all to give you a break? Those 2/3 hours a day were my lifeline!

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