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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder why I put myself through the awfulness of having a toddler again?

106 replies

whydidiputmyselfthroughit · 26/12/2025 16:00

Seriously, I really do question it. I hated it with ds and didn’t start to enjoy parenting him until he was four. And I’m back in that place again but this time with another child’s needs to try to balance.

If you adore toddlers and think that when you’re ninety you’ll look back and want another day with them this is NOT the thread for you. Nor is it a thread for those struggling with teens; you have your own board.

I really do not know what the hell I was thinking.

OP posts:
angelcake20 · 26/12/2025 16:08

Mine were fairly easy kids but when we had a brief moment of thinking about a third I said that it wouldn’t be happening unless I went back to work. No way would I be staying at home with a toddler. Not my favourite part of parenting. Fortunately we decided against it.

BoobsOnTheMoon · 26/12/2025 16:06

I had one toddler who was a delight and used to think people who moaned about toddlers were miserable gits.

Then I had another toddler and fuck me I learned my lesson. Absolutely never doing that again.

Commiserations @whydidiputmyselfthroughit . All I can offer is that it doesn't last forever and at least they're cute. Imagine if they were scaly ugly lizard creatures? We'd just leave them lay by or something 😂

ThisCalmMauveWriter · 26/12/2025 16:04

Toddlers are individual, there's no one fit all solution.

Why do you hate it? Of course the centre of your life becomes the toddler, and for easy life, you plan everything around them.

Your toddler is a tiny human with a massive personality and you're his entire world, imagine standing up to a grown adult like they do. Everything is new, the entire world is a new concept for them, It's pretty cute if you think about it.

Original poster
whydidiputmyselfthroughit · 26/12/2025 16:03

Lavenduhhh · 26/12/2025 16:02

It's a means to an end isn't it. I didn't like it much either! People have warned me about the teen years but they're great - yes they're moody but they're also proper people, and quite independent, and interesting. Every mum has a favourite stage. At least you know what age you'll start to enjoy it again! Put a count down timer on your phone, that's what I did

Oh I like this idea. Did you use a particular app? I’m counting down for three in the first instance.

I love him but my God I am sick and tired

Jesus yes

OP posts:
JuliesName · 26/12/2025 16:02

This year has changed my mind on wanting another. I hate parenting my toddler. I love him but my God am I sick and tired.

Lavenduhhh · 26/12/2025 16:02

It's a means to an end isn't it. I didn't like it much either! People have warned me about the teen years but they're great - yes they're moody but they're also proper people, and quite independent, and interesting. Every mum has a favourite stage. At least you know what age you'll start to enjoy it again! Put a count down timer on your phone, that's what I did