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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to not enjoy being around my kids?

35 replies

pickingthedandelions · 05/04/2026 11:14

I don’t enjoy being with my children (4 and 2.)

I love them but I just want someone to take them off me so I can relax.

Is this normal? Probably not.

OP posts:
PoliteSquid · 05/04/2026 11:44

I’m way way out of this stage now, but I remember some friends talking about how they couldn’t understand people not wanting to be with their children 24/7. And I just blurted out “I find being with the children utterly overwhelming and my dream is to be in the house by myself!” The looks on their faces is something I haven’t forgotten.

No advice OP, just empathy. Sometimes parenting is fucking hard work and it sucks.

Original poster
pickingthedandelions · 05/04/2026 11:40

VickyEadieofThigh · 05/04/2026 11:26

Did you, before you had your first, imagine it would be very different, OP? And has it been having 2 small children together that has made it unenjoyable?

Don’t we all! I think what I didn’t anticipate is how much they take … I mean, everything revolves around them and their needs, the TV can’t be on if it isn’t a kids show, DH and I can’t have a conversation without constant interruptions, if I try to sit somewhere else it’s just ‘mummmmmy!’

Oh I don’t know. They are so lovely but they are draining the life out of me as well! So relieved it’s not just me 😂

OP posts:
LauraJaneGrace · 05/04/2026 11:28

pickingthedandelions · 05/04/2026 11:14

I don’t enjoy being with my children (4 and 2.)

I love them but I just want someone to take them off me so I can relax.

Is this normal? Probably not.

Totally normal.
Parenthood is not all#makingmemories#cherisheverymoment

Sometimes its#fortheloveofgodgetmeoutofhere#whatdidIdowronginapastlifetodeservethis

VickyEadieofThigh · 05/04/2026 11:26

Did you, before you had your first, imagine it would be very different, OP? And has it been having 2 small children together that has made it unenjoyable?

treehugger4 · 05/04/2026 11:26

Oh my goodness I hear you loud and clear! I found this age incredibly challenging- probably the worst bit (for me)and I remember it vividly even though they are now well into their 30s and parents themselves.
FWIW I found them easier the older they got, even the teenage years were preferable for me.
Keep going, you’ve got this and nothing lasts forever! 💐

Original poster
pickingthedandelions · 05/04/2026 11:24

SaltySpitoon · 05/04/2026 11:22

Where does OP say they don't work? It's Sunday? 🤨

Show quote history

And Easter Sunday! I guess I could get into nursing or work in a garage or something. I’ve got to go home sometimes though!

OP posts:
Original poster
pickingthedandelions · 05/04/2026 11:24

CloudPop · 05/04/2026 11:22

Get a job and pay for childcare?

I find responses like this interesting, because the assumption does seem to be that the poster doesn’t work. How old are you? I’m asking because I don’t know any SAHMs. I know a few who are part time (which I am) and some who are flexible but no one who is a SAHM.

Anyway, it isn’t a ‘solution.’ I really notice it when we’re all off together, how unenjoyable it feels!

OP posts:
SaltySpitoon · 05/04/2026 11:22

CloudPop · 05/04/2026 11:22

Get a job and pay for childcare?

Where does OP say they don't work? It's Sunday? 🤨

CloudPop · 05/04/2026 11:22

Get a job and pay for childcare?

SaltySpitoon · 05/04/2026 11:18

4 and 2 are tough ages. I definitely found my two very trying at that age. Give yourself some grace, OP. ❤️