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Why do I find being a mum so hard when others seem fine ??

215 replies

feddupppp · 06/02/2023 21:56

I am just so exhausted of if all.

From the moment I wake up and even when I'm asleep essentially because I get woken up constantly, I'm completely responsible for two little ones. (3 years and 9 months). It's just go go go. Clean this, change that, carry this, carry that. It never stops. The demands, the whingeing- does not stop.

My 3 year old goes to nursery ( although she's never there as she's always ill), but my 9 month old is even more work than her now. Constantly falling, grabbing stuff, putting stuff in his mouth etc. constant poo explosions. Crawls away and resists nappy changes like I've never seen before.

I have help occasionally from my mum, she comes and stays a couple of weeks and it's bliss. My H is there one day a week, but other than that, I'm completely on my own in it. I know others have it way worse than me, but I'm just not coping. I just can't do it. I hate my life. It's so small. It's just them. I go back to work soon, but I'm scared it will be even worse for me.

I've had such a bad few weeks of the kids not letting me sleep, having to look after them whilst I've also been sick myself. I keep vomiting and having stomach bugs or something. ( it's being investigated ).

How do we find the strength to carry on ? How do we do this ? I try to talk to my H about this. I tried tonight and ended up in a fight. He doesn't get it. I told him he doesn't get it, because he's never done it before. He's never taken them both somewhere alone, had the 3 year old have a massive unstoppable tantrum - then had them both fall asleep in the car and had them both screaming and crying when he got them home and tried to get them out of the car. He's also never had to somehow get them both in the house ( plus bags ) then sort them both out, make sure they're safe, make them dinner, get them to bed etc. it all just seems so much right now. Maybe it's because I've been unwell, but I can't see how I can carry on.

OP posts:
feddupppp · 08/02/2023 19:59

Piano73 · 08/02/2023 19:37

Hi OP @feddupppp I have just signed up to Mumsnet in order to reply to your post (which I saw on FB). I have 2 girls, now 18 and 14. I had an incredibly tough time when they were little (later diagnosed as PND and PTSD from first delivery, plus non sleeping eldest, etc etc). A lot of issues, but looking back I can see that a lot of the reason it became SO severe for my MH was my (now ex) husband's behaviour/attitude. It tipped everything from awful to totally unbearable.

It is a really, really tough stage, sure. But regardless of what stage you're at in life, if something is causing you this much misery it needs to change. Tough stages will come at any time of life and every one of them will do far more damage than it could have done if you don't have any support from your husband.

Sorry this is long, but I just wanted to say:

Never mind anyone else. You're feeling like shit atm. That matters and needs addressing. Yes, the childcare thing gets easier eventually, but the dickhead management doesn't, it gets worse when they are enabled to continue undermining us.

Your H is being at best naive and self-centred, and at worst emotionally abusive. He has zero idea what you're dealing with, and SO many things you've mentioned resonated with me. Brought back awful memories of how shit my ex made me feel for not being able to do everything, all the time, while he essentially lived the life he wanted to. As others have said, if he genuinely can't be around more than one day a week, he needs to rethink his priorities and/or pay for proper help AND be a genuine emotional support to you - whatever shape that takes for you, at the coalface of it all. Something tells me he won't be receptive to that, but hopefully I'm wrong.

If he was divorced he would have to step up and do up to 50% of what you're doing. Wouldn't hurt to point that out.

Please see your doctor for a start as depression can 100% be caused by unsupportive and detrimental home life. Get some counselling from someone used to spotting emotional abuse because I suspect you might recognise a lot of issues once you get validation that no, you're by NO means being crap/spoilt/whatever. Even if it's not that, you'll build your confidence up. Your confidence in your own abilities has been screwed up, both by this life stage AND by your H. Build that up and you might well feel better about whatever steps you feel need taking.

Go away for the entirety of the next 2 times he's back. Tell him where you are if you want, but wherever you go, do not be contactable for idiotic questions, and do not apologise for stating what you need. And don't make it easier by prepping it all for him! IF he has an ounce of sense/empathy, this will hopefully be enough to wake him up. If not, it'll give you a bit of clarity. If you're too worried about his reaction to do this, that's a red flag in itself.

I'm embarrassed to say it took me about 10 years of misery with my ex (out of a total of 25 years - plenty of signs but it got a lot worse for the last decade) to actually get the strength to leave. I read loads of books about emotional abuse, started counselling, recognised what was going on, and very gradually got some of my strength back. As the girls got older they became less draining to cope with, and both supported my decision 100% and said how relieved they were when I finally left (2.5 years ago). I stayed for years thinking I was doing the right thing for them. I tried so hard not to badmouth their father, but they took it all in anyway and worked it out on their own.

I will always regret giving them a masterclass in how to cope with an emotionally abusive prick and give away all self esteem in the process.

I pray that I got out in time for them not to replicate that in their relationships, but it worries me. At the very least, you don't want to be modelling "when you're a mum/main carer you don't matter" to them, as it all goes in from a really young age.

I'll shut up now, but I hope it helps knowing that you are NOT being pathetic, needy or weak. Let us know how you're doing. X

Thank you for taking the time to write this for me. I really appreciate and I'm happy that you're doing so well without your ex. All the best to you.

OP posts:
Piano73 · 08/02/2023 19:37

Hi OP @feddupppp I have just signed up to Mumsnet in order to reply to your post (which I saw on FB). I have 2 girls, now 18 and 14. I had an incredibly tough time when they were little (later diagnosed as PND and PTSD from first delivery, plus non sleeping eldest, etc etc). A lot of issues, but looking back I can see that a lot of the reason it became SO severe for my MH was my (now ex) husband's behaviour/attitude. It tipped everything from awful to totally unbearable.

It is a really, really tough stage, sure. But regardless of what stage you're at in life, if something is causing you this much misery it needs to change. Tough stages will come at any time of life and every one of them will do far more damage than it could have done if you don't have any support from your husband.

Sorry this is long, but I just wanted to say:

Never mind anyone else. You're feeling like shit atm. That matters and needs addressing. Yes, the childcare thing gets easier eventually, but the dickhead management doesn't, it gets worse when they are enabled to continue undermining us.

Your H is being at best naive and self-centred, and at worst emotionally abusive. He has zero idea what you're dealing with, and SO many things you've mentioned resonated with me. Brought back awful memories of how shit my ex made me feel for not being able to do everything, all the time, while he essentially lived the life he wanted to. As others have said, if he genuinely can't be around more than one day a week, he needs to rethink his priorities and/or pay for proper help AND be a genuine emotional support to you - whatever shape that takes for you, at the coalface of it all. Something tells me he won't be receptive to that, but hopefully I'm wrong.

If he was divorced he would have to step up and do up to 50% of what you're doing. Wouldn't hurt to point that out.

Please see your doctor for a start as depression can 100% be caused by unsupportive and detrimental home life. Get some counselling from someone used to spotting emotional abuse because I suspect you might recognise a lot of issues once you get validation that no, you're by NO means being crap/spoilt/whatever. Even if it's not that, you'll build your confidence up. Your confidence in your own abilities has been screwed up, both by this life stage AND by your H. Build that up and you might well feel better about whatever steps you feel need taking.

Go away for the entirety of the next 2 times he's back. Tell him where you are if you want, but wherever you go, do not be contactable for idiotic questions, and do not apologise for stating what you need. And don't make it easier by prepping it all for him! IF he has an ounce of sense/empathy, this will hopefully be enough to wake him up. If not, it'll give you a bit of clarity. If you're too worried about his reaction to do this, that's a red flag in itself.

I'm embarrassed to say it took me about 10 years of misery with my ex (out of a total of 25 years - plenty of signs but it got a lot worse for the last decade) to actually get the strength to leave. I read loads of books about emotional abuse, started counselling, recognised what was going on, and very gradually got some of my strength back. As the girls got older they became less draining to cope with, and both supported my decision 100% and said how relieved they were when I finally left (2.5 years ago). I stayed for years thinking I was doing the right thing for them. I tried so hard not to badmouth their father, but they took it all in anyway and worked it out on their own.

I will always regret giving them a masterclass in how to cope with an emotionally abusive prick and give away all self esteem in the process.

I pray that I got out in time for them not to replicate that in their relationships, but it worries me. At the very least, you don't want to be modelling "when you're a mum/main carer you don't matter" to them, as it all goes in from a really young age.

I'll shut up now, but I hope it helps knowing that you are NOT being pathetic, needy or weak. Let us know how you're doing. X

glittereyelash · 08/02/2023 19:23

Everybody struggles with parenting at different points and everyone has a friend with a unicorn baby that sleeps all night, never cries and will entertain themselves for hours. I got an absolute screamer who woke multiple times a night, had monster tantrums and couldn't sit still for a minute. I just had to live day by day and try not compare myself to anyone else and just let the stares and smug looks go over my head. Hang in there your doing great ❤️

Forgooodnesssakenow · 08/02/2023 19:18

Arniesleftleg · 08/02/2023 18:32

No one, and I mean absolutely no one has their shit together. I look absolutely fine on the outside but I'm fighting my inner demons.

When I was on Facebook I had a few friends whose lives I knew inside out but they lived 'happy and blessed' lives on FB. The kids were happy, the houses were tidy, they were so in love with their DH's. It was all bullshit.

My ex boss looked the picture of health and happiness. Drove a great car, had a massive house, beautiful wife and kids but was a raging alcoholic, kids sent off the boarding school and was sh@gging his financial advisor whilst telling the world how wonderful his life and family were.

Life is crap, even more so at the moment but take a little blessing from every day and try and see some good in things.

I've had 4 hospital procedures since November but i'm still trying to see a little bit of good in things. Staying off social media is a good start to better MH

Get yourself a little note book and find 5 things each day to be thankful for, even if its that the kids didn't fight for five minutes. You'll soon start to feel a little better.

Look up toxic positivity.

I've a load of things to be thankful forz the amazing wonderous children I thought I'd never have for a start, my career, my husband... But while being puked and shit on the other week I'd have shoved that notebook up your... Nose!

TheRealKatnissEverdeen · 08/02/2023 19:15

Also I have a H who does a fair bit. So the load is lessened for me but I still feel shattered.
Take it easy on yourself.

TheRealKatnissEverdeen · 08/02/2023 19:14

I'm sitting here yawning whilst my 6 and 4 year olds play before bedtime. 20 mins left. You're not alone OP but your set up does sounds hard.
I get it. I 'cope' by trying to plan and get on top of stuff when I have time from them which may not be feasible for you. I've not read all the replies but it's unlikely to change when it's you doing the bulk of it all. Hopefully there's something that can shift.

Arniesleftleg · 08/02/2023 18:32

No one, and I mean absolutely no one has their shit together. I look absolutely fine on the outside but I'm fighting my inner demons.

When I was on Facebook I had a few friends whose lives I knew inside out but they lived 'happy and blessed' lives on FB. The kids were happy, the houses were tidy, they were so in love with their DH's. It was all bullshit.

My ex boss looked the picture of health and happiness. Drove a great car, had a massive house, beautiful wife and kids but was a raging alcoholic, kids sent off the boarding school and was sh@gging his financial advisor whilst telling the world how wonderful his life and family were.

Life is crap, even more so at the moment but take a little blessing from every day and try and see some good in things.

I've had 4 hospital procedures since November but i'm still trying to see a little bit of good in things. Staying off social media is a good start to better MH

Get yourself a little note book and find 5 things each day to be thankful for, even if its that the kids didn't fight for five minutes. You'll soon start to feel a little better.

Forgooodnesssakenow · 08/02/2023 18:17

By which I mean mainly you have a husband problem, we all get burnt out, exhausted, feel we can't do it, after that norovirus I was at my limit. If I'd been told it was no big deal and to do it alone I'd have turned to violence I think.

You deserve more support and we're all in the shit together.

Caterina99 · 08/02/2023 18:11

Yes I nearly lost my shit one day when DH helpfully suggested that I could take something to the post office for him and pick up something else so he didn’t have to do it in his lunch hour.

Packing up a toddler and a baby into the car and out of the car and into a buggy and waiting in the queue at the post office, just so you don’t have to stand in the queue when it’s busy at lunch time? Fuck right off!

Forgooodnesssakenow · 08/02/2023 18:10

feddupppp · 08/02/2023 07:33

The job of mothering is still very much a woman's work.

I just meant looking after children.

In YOUR house it is, here we all had gastroenteritis last month, my husband left work early because me and the 2 kids were vomitting, a couple hours later he started puking too. We managed together, I rubbed backs while he emptied sick buckets, I changed pyjamas while he changed beds etc etc.

ERB0585 · 08/02/2023 17:57

My heart goes out to you. This was ME in December. You are not alone and this is normal. Ignore social media. Everyone I know is like this! Know that you will get past the bugs, you will get more sleep and the change of routine that work will bring will be a refresh. I have been back for a week now, it’s forced DH to step up in a way that he always found a reason not to when I was on maternity leave. The world is getting bigger again. Although the new problem is the heavy guilt I feel for not being with the children. But learning to accept that as normal too.

Accept your misery as transient I say, know it’s not forever and whatever the troubles, to your children you are the absolute world.

I feel like I’m through to the next challenge and I’m sure you will be too.

HimalayaSalts · 08/02/2023 16:52

Going out shopping with kids is extremely difficult, since having a baby it's been deliveries or DH has to go and do the grocery shopping, with or without car, doing the food shopping with kids is just on a whole other level

HistoryFanatic · 08/02/2023 16:36

Matlab · 08/02/2023 13:36

It really does sound as if you're struggling. But admitting it is the first step before things can get better. I don't meant to be cruel, but some mums will of course be better at being a mum than you. That's the case with anything in life - there will always be people who are better than you. You don't automatically get the skillset of a good mum, just because you have kids.

The first step to coping better is finding good mum role models, and try and find out what works for them, what strategies they have, what routines they have. If you do what they do, then with time and perseverance there's no reason why you shouldn't get outcomes similar to them.

I find Mumsnet tends to be very good at making you feel better, but not great at providing concrete advice to actually help with an issue. Hopefully you'll take this post as inspiration to improve, rather than a dig. But it's up to you - as with a lot of things in life it's all about mindset

Jeez what a complete knob you are.

Crumpledstilstkin · 08/02/2023 15:57

feddupppp · 08/02/2023 15:32

@Constellar thanks. I didn't know if it was me, but that really upset me. I didn't think my struggles were actually affecting my kids in the sense that I'm a bad mum to them. I work so hard to be good to them and patient and give them love. I struggle alone and in front of my partner, but I do my best not to show my kids. Im always there for them.

I read it as @Matlab saying that of course there are things you can do to be better which is absolutely true for all of us. Unfortunately your husband and family seem really unsupportive which is disappointing. Personally I found therapy to understand my feelings around my children's behaviour helped. Their behaviour is the same but if you understand why it makes you feel the way it does and why they're doing it it's easier to deal with.

feddupppp · 08/02/2023 15:32

@Constellar thanks. I didn't know if it was me, but that really upset me. I didn't think my struggles were actually affecting my kids in the sense that I'm a bad mum to them. I work so hard to be good to them and patient and give them love. I struggle alone and in front of my partner, but I do my best not to show my kids. Im always there for them.

OP posts:
Constellar · 08/02/2023 15:19

feddupppp · 08/02/2023 13:42

Your post has actually really stung somehow. That's not to say you were trying to be mean. Probably says more about me. I know you did not intend for that.

OMG what an appalling destroying post @Matlab

OP this says nothing about you and everything about @Matlab

”take it as an inspiration to improve” oh do FTFO

The worst thing about parenting in my 19 years of it? Dick comments and attitudes like this. IGNORE

Comtesse · 08/02/2023 15:15

I don’t need to meet the objective standard of being a good mum. I just need to be a good enough mum for the kids I have.

I always tell them “I’m the best mum you’ll ever have” and it’s true - some days are better than others mind you, but no one on earth is more qualified to be mum for my kids. And it’s the same for you!

It sounds like you are surrounded by unsupportive assholes who are not helping just nitpicking. How utterly crap of them.

Dictionaryencyclopedia · 08/02/2023 14:56

feddupppp · 08/02/2023 13:42

Your post has actually really stung somehow. That's not to say you were trying to be mean. Probably says more about me. I know you did not intend for that.

Please ignore this poster OP. There is no-one on earth who is a better mum to your children than you. Because you're their mum ❤️ it is completely, utterly normal to feel as you feel. I felt just the same. You'd probably find it so much easier as a single parent without your awful H bringing you down. Maybe something to think about. In the meantime, you're the best mum your children could ever wish for. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise.

DancinOnTheCeiling · 08/02/2023 14:29

feddupppp · 08/02/2023 13:42

Your post has actually really stung somehow. That's not to say you were trying to be mean. Probably says more about me. I know you did not intend for that.

OP if you love your kids and do a ‘good
enough’ job then IMO you’re a good mum. Striving for perfection isn’t achievable and isn’t good for kids anyway. They need to learn that people make mistakes, aren’t perfect… otherwise what ridiculous expectations will they have of life. Please don’t think being a good mum is a competition. Two completely different mums can be both great mums!

DancinOnTheCeiling · 08/02/2023 14:24

Catsonskis · 08/02/2023 10:14

OP I could be you! Mine are 2.5 and 4m, so in a few short months will both be the age yours are now.

it’s so hard. So hard! But I can’t really articulate why sometimes. I find going out with the two really daunting too! Between lugging the heavy car seat in and out the car whilst wrangling a toddler, or heaving the massive pram out, getting baby in it whilst toddlers screaming to get out first. I’m always so scared of being judged by others two which is daft because if I see a mother struggling I sympathise not judge.

I got the guilt from my parents and in laws two re toddler going to nursery 3 days a week whilst I’m off. If she didn’t go, I think I’d combust!!! All the offers of help that were made from both sides of the family whilst I was pregnant disappeared into the Etha. They only come occasionally, take photos/cuddles and take offence if I don’t sit and entertain them rather than getting jobs done.

we had to sack our cleaner because she was terrible, and can’t find another one right now, the laundry though. Dear god the laundry is never ended cycle of collecting it, putting it on, drying it, folding, putting away (or forgetting it’s in the machine and needing to re wash it) I’d love a laundry service!!!

I have friends with 2 kids older than ours and they say it gets better so I’m clinging onto that. But I regularly send pathetic help me/I’m so shite at this/why am I so crap at this SOS texts to them. You’re not alone.

though I must say, your DH needs to step up! When he’s home he needs to do 50% of the work with you! You do 100% at your job during the day, as does he, and then you share in the evening. My DH works away 3 nights a week but when he’s home he’s great!

@Catsonskis god I’m so annoyed on your behalf at being guilt tripped for older one being in nursery. Surely it’s a win win for everyone as baby gets one to one attention, toddler can socialise and do fun things in nursery and you ‘only’ have one to look after on those days. Argh I hate how us women are being judged/guilt tripped etc when we’re all just doing our best.

OP I forever look at other mums and think they have it all together, look fab, are calm etc when I feel like such a mess.. then I try to remember what one of my friends once said - ‘we’re all just getting by’ or similar when we talked about parenting.. I find it helps.

Re men: DH is definitely not perfect but he pulls his weight, and he also gets up at night/when DC is ill/scared etc, I’d say it’s 50-50. Not meaning to rub it in, just saying it is possible and should be the norm!

Redpoppy85 · 08/02/2023 13:51

OP I have a 2.5 year old and a ten month old and I feel like you. I love my children dearly, and wouldn’t be without them but it’s exhausting at the moment and I don’t have any health issues.
You asked what help others get; My 2.5 year old has been going to nursery throughout mat leave for 2 days a week, initially full days, but now half days as mat pay is gone. My DP also works long hours and has a long commute but only Monday to Friday, he’s off at weekends, and he is supportive when he’s home. I dread going back to work too as my work is stressful and I’ll have to do all pick ups and drop offs. Both our parents live the other side of the country, so not much family support.
it isn't surprising you’re feeling like you do when you’re having health issues and you look after two tiny children by yourself 6 days a week. I think that would be too much for a lot of people. If you can afford it, put your foot down and tell your husband you need to hire more help if it isn’t possible for him to reduce his hours and help more.

feddupppp · 08/02/2023 13:42

Matlab · 08/02/2023 13:36

It really does sound as if you're struggling. But admitting it is the first step before things can get better. I don't meant to be cruel, but some mums will of course be better at being a mum than you. That's the case with anything in life - there will always be people who are better than you. You don't automatically get the skillset of a good mum, just because you have kids.

The first step to coping better is finding good mum role models, and try and find out what works for them, what strategies they have, what routines they have. If you do what they do, then with time and perseverance there's no reason why you shouldn't get outcomes similar to them.

I find Mumsnet tends to be very good at making you feel better, but not great at providing concrete advice to actually help with an issue. Hopefully you'll take this post as inspiration to improve, rather than a dig. But it's up to you - as with a lot of things in life it's all about mindset

Your post has actually really stung somehow. That's not to say you were trying to be mean. Probably says more about me. I know you did not intend for that.

OP posts:
jamsandwich1 · 08/02/2023 13:41

It’s just really, really hard work. Mine are 2.5 and 4 and I feel like I never stop. I just move from mess to mess to mess. This winter has been awful for illness too. I do feel it’s getting a lot easier though, when my youngest hit 12 months things started to get better. I can assure you that I don’t feel like I’m coping fine most of the time!

Forgooodnesssakenow · 08/02/2023 13:40

Fireingrate · 07/02/2023 08:02

Some people do just have easy kids. They think they are excellent parents but really, it’s just their kids. Occasionally these smug parents have a subsequent child and realise their excellent parenting wasn’t down to them. I once spoke to a woman who only on her fourth child, when all her previous excellent strategies failed, realised it was her kids’ temperaments that made her an excellent parent, rather than her parenting Grin

And if you have kids who let you sleep, well, that’s worth an entire village of support on its own, isn’t it?

You just have a tough deal OP. It will gradually get better, and I am sorry you have Un empathetic smug arses around you.

Can you give your kids entirely to your H on the day he is there, and take yourself off somewhere for a rest/ break that day, once a week? Book yourself into a day use room for a sleep and then a nice meal and spa?

If I'd only had my daughter I'd be such a smug mum luckily I had my eldest first and he taught me humility and understanding 😂

Scotty12 · 08/02/2023 13:37

And it sounds like need to have a frank talk with your mum and the effect she is having on you.