To just want my children to grow up?

Mine are all over 13 and I've cried many times waiting them to be babies again :(

The baby and toddler years were my favourite. I miss it so much. So much love and laughter.

That would be bloody amazing!

Opposite for me. Mine were easier when they were little. Maybe it’s because they’re both ND that the teen years were/are hell!!

YANBU. We all go through this OP. Things will get easier and things will change. I found the younger phase so hard, now mine are 5 and 7, both at school and doing clubs - it’s difficult in its own way but easier than where we were a few years ago!
hang on in there- it will get better !

I used to wish you could mix the ages up with a bit of time travel, 7 month old on one day, same child but ten the next day.

I found the baby and toddler years the hardest by miles. And yes that includes the teen years!

You’re in the hardest bit right now. It does get better. It was noticeable when mine got to 4 and 7.

Yes and bedtime seems to happen about 3 times a day, takes 4 hours and there’s a lot of mess to clean up after.

I have a 17, 15 and 13 year old and it is so much easier. But I do miss some of the old days. I get what you are saying completely. Try not to look too much to the future tho cos you ll just get more frustrated. I miss those baby cuddles tho

Mine are 7 and 8 and it's great! (Most of the time )

We can go out with our a massive fuss, I don't need a massive bad full of just in case stuff

They are nice and independent and I can sit and relax at the park instead of chasing everyone around! .

You're in the thick of it now, but it does get easier

Promise 💐

I wished those years away too. I outsourced a lot of it to nursery and went back to work. It cost a fortune but never a single regret.
They're now 21 and 18. Those early years were still the hardest days by a mile.

Oh God, I know exactly where you’re coming from. Mine are 4 and 10 months. The last 6 months has been the hardest of my life. I’m constantly on edge. I’m either waiting for the baby to wake from a nap or overnight, or having to constantly monitor their interactions because my oldest is a bit rough with her brother and they wind each other up. The baby just wants to cruise at the moment but seems to be pushing himself to try more dangerous stunts so I have to constantly hover ready to stop an accident. The 4 year old has become a moody teenager and while I adore her she can be so negative and whiny all the time it’s quite draining. Plus nappies, teething, colds, weaning, tantrums… is it any wonder I want to take up smoking again.

It's physically hard when they are little, but it just gets hard in different ways when they are older. Mine are 16&13 now, it is nice they have there own stuff now so I get more me time. But I'm a constant taxi service right now as mine do quite a few activities.

I actually do really enjoy them though especially the 16 year old, it's lovely to have virtual adult convictions with her and debate things. 😀

It will happen quicker than you realise, don’t wish the time away. I found every 6 months got easier. DD is almost 7 now and believe me there are other things that will frustrate you. Trying to do homework tonight and she just couldn’t grasp how to make an accurate estimate, I didn’t have to deal with that when she was 3!
But she can get dressed, read a book, express herself, put the tv on in the morning etc

I know it’s easy to say but try and enjoy it, you’ll miss elements of the young years when they’re older.

I was hugely relieved when we reached the stage that both mine could get in the car and put their own seatbelts on, and when the language barrier was a bit easier and it was possible to reason with them. You are absolutely not being unreasonable as it is relentless, even when you love them to pieces.

I can relate. Having a 1-3 year old was the pits. He can be difficult at 5, but he's out at school 5 days a week (free!), he goes to bed at 7 and mostly sleeps 11 hours, and is tall enough for fun stuff like theme parks. Plus I no longer constantly need a buggy/nappy bag/change of clothes.

Hang in there - the personal and physical freedom does come back!

5 and 7 isn't great either. I think ten or eleven is when it gets easier. And then harder again 😂 I get it though, you feel you're wishing your life away!