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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder if it’s normal to not enjoy days with your children ?

65 replies

thepuppetshow · 25/08/2024 08:16

I work part time and have two days a week off with my children and I dread them a bit.

They are lovely but so demanding (obviously they are as they’re only little) and I struggle to fill the day with them.

Is it the same for anyone else?

OP posts:
Rollonsummer1 · 25/08/2024 08:39

Yes it's normal and yes it's why being at home full time can be incredibly gruelling.
There have been good posts on here about structure to the day, trying to get out to toddler groups or soft play, either am or pm then get art out or something creative.
Long baths.

Drachuughtty · 25/08/2024 08:38

You're not alone but it gets so much better

Original poster
thepuppetshow · 25/08/2024 08:36

Thank you! At the moment one of them is always whining or crying - it’s exhausting.

OP posts:
WhatNoRaisins · 25/08/2024 08:31

That's a bad stage OP. I found it got easier as the younger one got bigger and they could do some of the same things and entertain each other.

rosielovesvintage · 25/08/2024 08:30

Hi OP, I have 2, one is 4.5 and the other is 14 months. I am the same, it is hell when they're together. DH and I always talk about how we dream of them getting older but at the same time we don't want to wish it away. It's such a head fuck!

I think it is very very very normal to feel this way. Everyone I know struggles with their kids behaviour and time off with them. We are already planning Christmas and how we can do something every day to keep busy and get out this house!

Original poster
thepuppetshow · 25/08/2024 08:27

Thanks, dc1 starts school next September so the days off will automatically be easier then. Just have to get through the next year!

OP posts:
LizzieSiddal · 25/08/2024 08:24

Very normal at those ages. It will get better!

Duckies · 25/08/2024 08:22

Totes normal!

35965a · 25/08/2024 08:21

At that age, yes it is normal. Everything is hard work and intense. As they get older and more independent it changes and becomes less hard work and more fun!

Peakpeakpeak · 25/08/2024 08:20

Easy to feel overwhelmed, when they're that age.

Patternedwallpaper · 25/08/2024 08:20

Yadnbu, small kids can be very draining, i hate kiddy stuff.

Pipecleanerrevival · 25/08/2024 08:20

It’s going to get So Much Better. Those ages are hard work!

SlB09 · 25/08/2024 08:19

Yip, same here, however it's got less and less the older they get and choices of activities get bigger and better

Original poster
thepuppetshow · 25/08/2024 08:18

Fern - I actually do enjoy them individually but together it’s often awful if I’m honest … One is approaching 4 and one is 14 months.

OP posts:
Fern84 · 25/08/2024 08:17

How old are they?

DC is 6 and I’m definitely enjoying the time more & more