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I am not the mother I thought I would be

236 replies

Sosadd11 · 22/07/2024 19:07

I hate it, if I’m totally honest. Which I never am in real life. Yes I love my child (19 months). Yes I’ve had moments of joy and yes being a parent is amazing in lots of ways. But fucking hell so is travelling the world, furthering your career, having a relationship just focused on you.

Physically I feel shit. Not lack of sleep but just lack of anything for me. Even when I do go to the hairdresser or similar, I’ve still had a million jobs to do before then and don’t turn up chilled out and fully focused on myself anymore. And I’m always on a fucking timetable. I hate it. Constant cleaning up, whinging, throwing food, grabbing, possessions runined… I know it’s all toddler stuff and the sad thing is I know I’m lucky, they’ve been an easy baby and barely had any real tantrums. It’s not them. Im just sick of it. One day enjoying their meal the next rejecting it. If you’re ill you carry on. Lie ins don’t really happen because even if you can you’re programmed to wake by 7.

I thought I would have so much patience. I don’t. I cannot wait until bedtime.

I genuinely hate my life so much. My messy house. My finances just about in tact. My career not taken a hit yet but taken a back seat because it’s just not fucking possible to do it all well all the time. It sounds dramatic but I really feel a number is done on women 90% of the time. Yes some men are decent but lots still don’t do their fair share, even when it’s perceived to be.

Did anyone ever feel this and then change their perception? I don’t know how I will get through it all if this is how I am. And no I genuinely don’t feel depressed, I think that’s another thing throw at women when actually it’s just motherhood means mostly putting on women and god forbid it’s called out without a clinical condition attached to that reaction (note I’m not downplaying PND, I just know this isn’t it).

OP posts:
Sosadd11 · 22/07/2024 19:16

coffeeandsleep · 22/07/2024 19:13

I really resonate with what you’ve said. I feel like I’ve become a shell of myself and hope going back to work with help my mental health.

most likely I will not be having another!

No advice but you’re not alone, hopefully it will get better in time…

@coffeeandsleep i much prefer being at work and work isn’t easy either. I feel guilty or stressed or tired or ill at any given time. Hope you are ok

OP posts:
labourlost · 22/07/2024 19:16

You’re not unreasonable - it’s bloody hard work. I always thought I’d want more children but I am very definitely 1 and done!

Homedesign123 · 22/07/2024 19:16

I find a to do list really helps, like a physical paper one. In the morning I get up I go down before my children ( I have three. 9,4 and almost 2)

I have a quick think about my day what if like to accomplish (being sure to be realistic with myself) and I get on with it, it gives your day more structure. And you get a little dopamine hit when you can tick something off, I don't always complete everything but I give it a damned good go. I add obvious things like breakfast, lunch and dinner. Playing with them and reading because they're sure fire ticks

WhydoIcaresomuch · 22/07/2024 19:15

Yes I felt similar, although difficult to remember fully now as you tend to look back through rose-tinted glasses.

Mine are 8 and 11 now and being a parent to them is a joy. It got easier when my younger boy was around 2ish, but more enjoyable with every year that passed after that.

You do get YOU back I promise. My life now with my two is so much better than if I hadn’t had them, and I had a great life before

Sosadd11 · 22/07/2024 19:15

ByCupidStunt · 22/07/2024 19:12

Yes it does get better. I have 3 - if I'd known then what I know now I would have had 1, or even none.

Stick to 1. Life will be easier for it.

@ByCupidStunt why did you have more?(hope that’s not an insensitive way to put it!)

OP posts:
Rainbowsponge · 22/07/2024 19:14

I found some solace in this thread a while back, and you may too. It helps to know other people feel the same way and it doesn’t make you a bad person.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/feeling_depressed/3610042-Everyone-thinks-I-have-PND-I-think-I-just-hate-being-a-Mum

EG94 · 22/07/2024 19:14

90% of what you mentioned is what it’s like coming into step parenting but without the loving bond to carry you through. It’s a culture shock!! Good like finding yourself again in the midst of being a kick ass mum 🥰🥰

coffeeandsleep · 22/07/2024 19:13

I really resonate with what you’ve said. I feel like I’ve become a shell of myself and hope going back to work with help my mental health.

most likely I will not be having another!

No advice but you’re not alone, hopefully it will get better in time…

ByCupidStunt · 22/07/2024 19:12

Yes it does get better. I have 3 - if I'd known then what I know now I would have had 1, or even none.

Stick to 1. Life will be easier for it.

Sosadd11 · 22/07/2024 19:12

@Pootles34 thanks. I hate it. I wish I had known the reality

OP posts:
Pootles34 · 22/07/2024 19:10

You aren't unreasonable, you are in the trenches at the moment. It gets better, it honestly does.

I know some women love having littlies but I really found it hard going. I'm sorry I know this doesn't help you now.

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