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AIBU?

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Original poster

I realised too late I don’t like parenting

439 replies

ThatCleverFawn · 11/01/2025 10:07

I’m sure I’ll be judged to beyond but gearing up the enthusiasm to do yet another day of it is destroying me.

OP posts:
pljlse · 11/01/2025 10:31

Anyone who enjoys this stage is a sadist. I'm joshing, but seriously OP now is not the best measure for what parenting is like in the long haul. It's a slog. I hated it. I have teens now, and enjoy parenting (on the whole!) I think I relaxed and started to enjoy parenting more regularly probably around the time youngest was 3 or 4 with it getting progressively easier after that point. And I like teens, don't care what anyone else on here says about them!

So don't panic, it won't be like this forever!!

Anewyearanewday · 11/01/2025 10:30

Yeah it’s 90% drudgery isn’t it.

Take them swimming, it will tire them out and is cheap. Then park the older one in front of the tv with some colouring and put the youngest in cot for a nap so you get two hours to do something you need to do yourself whether that’s cooking, hoovering, or sitting with a coffee and a book.

jenn88 · 11/01/2025 10:28

Mine are 9months and 5! I feel you!!!
9 month old does not sleep!
I have just gone back to work which is exhausting it also breaking up the monotonous routine!
Only thing that really helps me is going outside! Which is fine when the weather is good!
It's -5 at the moment so that's painful for all involved!!!

BarbaraHoward · 11/01/2025 10:27

You're in the trenches OP. 3 and 1 with mine nearly killed me and that was with a DH who was just as exhausted involved as I was.

You don't enjoy parenting little ones. You may well love parenting them as they grow up. My youngest is 4 now and much as they try my patience, it's a thousand times easier.

Comedycook · 11/01/2025 10:26

Yes the days often feel very very long. I always tried to get out in the morning and try to wear them out.. park or soft play and then home to hopefully have a quieter afternoon. Once they're both in primary school, things feel so much easier

Tandora · 11/01/2025 10:26

At this moment in time I’m right there with you OP

FrenchandSaunders · 11/01/2025 10:25

It will get better OP once they sleep better and you have more energy. It’s hard work at that age. They can’t even okay together but they will eventually.

Comedycook · 11/01/2025 10:24

Oh I see 4 and 1. Those are exhausting ages! Things will get easier.

Comedycook · 11/01/2025 10:22

Yeah, lots of people feel like that! It's a lot of work and drudgery.... although there are the special happy moments too.

How old is your DC?

Original poster
ThatCleverFawn · 11/01/2025 10:21

Thanks. They’re 4 and 1. One doesn’t sleep well and so I’m just tired all the time. Just long for a day of doing nothing.

OP posts:
Echobelly · 11/01/2025 10:20

There's a lot not to like about parenting. How old are kid/s?

Beamur · 11/01/2025 10:20

It's a myth that it's wonderful 24/7.
But you should find some moments of joy amongst the grind!
If your mood is low all the time maybe go see your GP?

pinkyredrose · 11/01/2025 10:18

Does thier father do his share?

Fetburzswefg · 11/01/2025 10:16

What age are your kids?

It can be a relentless old slog, parenting. But some ages are much harder and more exhausting than others. It’s ok not to love it - loving your kids (essential) is not the same as loving parenting (often difficult).

I hope things improve for you with time.