To find it almost unbearable to spend an entire day with my 2.5 year old alone

DS didn't sleep either so for me it was like 24 hours at work with no breaks. Utterly soul destroying. You find strength you never knew you had. Other posters are right - it does get better. Small comfort while you're going through it, I know! You're not alone xx

Ds was in a buggy at 2.5 if we went into a shop,so that's easily sorted.

This is at least the third active thread of "I dread/can't stand being around my child"... honestly wtf is going on? It's depressing to be honest.

There is definitely a stage where it is an absolute hard slog, and you’re wondering at 9:30am how you’re going to get through the day because you’ve already used up all the activities you’ve planned.

It gets better, and before long they are at nursery or school. Sign them up for some nursery hours as soon as they get to 3 if not already. It just gives you that bit of a break. Once they’re at nursery and then school you gradually start finding your life again, and looking forward to seeing them when they get home.

No, you're right. It can be an absolute drag. Never being able to look at something or think properly because they need constant attention. It gets better. I like to keep routine or tell them how the day is going to go to keep them on track. But mostly build in distraction points or things they like to keep them on track. Unfortunately you have to keep busy all the time to best manage them, which kills me when I just want to watch rubbish tele and lie still.

It’s mind numbingly boring unless you really like nursery activities and singing endless nursery rhymes ( my best friend did) BUT it goes so quickly, and then they are challenging you ( as in another thread) and then just grunting at you from the sofa, and you think where did the time go?

Aw I do remember those days. You do just have to keep busy. Think of loads of jobs for them to do.

Walk to collect sticks to make a boat/raft. Take twine and then put it in the river.
Geocaching (I liked doing this!)
Walk with friend
Child friendly museum
Ikea (my lot loved a trip here?!)

Because some people do treasure this time with their kids and they actually like spending time with them?

If you don't that's fine.

I know what you mean. Small children are hard work and there are inevitably periods of boredom. I used to find I would have to take DS out and wear him out. Try to get him to run around, go to the park, be as physical as possible.

Also do things YOU want to do but adapt them to him - if you want to go to an art gallery, then go, show him stuff and talk to him about everything. It will be hard and not the same as if you went on your own but at least you don’t cut yourself off from everything that also interests you. Or go on a local train somewhere and look around, or take him on a double decker bus - simple things that are different. Start a sport, go swimming, get a balance bike..

I also had to process some stuff from my childhood. I found it very hard to do one on one imaginative play and I think that was because I was never played with that way. DH was great at that and they would do Lego and make believe for hours. I just couldn’t do it, but I was much better at doing stuff, out and about, cooking, whatever.

Good luck. I feel you. It does get easier.

That does sound gruelling. Somehow worse at the weekend too when a lot of people have their partner there to talk to and take turns with.

It's a good day for getting water or sand out in the garden. Though I know nothing lasts long at this age.

Would you consider taking a night away in a hotel or staying with a friend while your partner is in charge? You sound like you really need a break. I do this about once a year and it gives me so much energy back.

Safety in numbers. Find other families and so days out with them. That was how I coped

i agree with the above poster and also sounds like he’s got loads of energy so a park visit may help.

Funnily enough I've had similar today. Just me and 2.5 year old boy from late morning until bedtime. He is so busy. We've been out and then back and toys everywhere, asking questions about everything. I also find it really tiring! I keep reminding myself that when he's 13 he might only grunt at me and I'll think fondly of these long days together 😀

Get some backpack reins so you don't have to worry about him running off. It is full on at that age, I always tried to get out of the house for a trip to the park, library etc most days just to break things up a bit.