Argh! So stressed, worried I am going to damage my DD emotionally :(

It might not be viable, but would it be something where you could send a (copied and pasted) message to them individually, or even add them to a group chat:

"Hey, I am so sorry to ask but I am totally maxed out at the moment what with the job change, school change and house move 😵‍💫😨. Would anyone be able to have <daughter> for a few hours on any of the following days <list days> - obviously realise people may be away/busy but an extra afternoon here or there would be so helpful as I really need to pack the house up! Thanks so much in advance and of course no worries at all if not!" And if you've sent it to multiple people separately add a sentence saying so so that they know you're asking others as well in case people offer the same day.

It might not work but I think if you're really up front and grateful then most people are happy to pitch in in circumstances like these.

Adding to the chorus of voices of WHAT a woman, what a powerful, resourceful woman.
I appreciate that every penny sounds like it counts right now. But how are you moving? Are you using a removal firm? If you are, in my experience it costs really very little additional funds for them to pack you, which they usually do in a day.
when I last moved, I found that it would have cost me the same (in bubble wrap and boxes) to pack myself as they charged me to pack (and they provided the boxes and bubble wrap.)
if you are hiring a removal company, have a really serious think about what this would mean for your stress levels. X
sending you so much support. This will soon be over.

Set a timer a few times a day for 5 minutes or so where you give her your full focus and be kind to her. I think that helps and is a small commitment.

Id break the day up
First thing spent dedicated packing time, dd to craft, colour or whatever you find. Charity shops are great for things like this.
then I’d go out, lots of free summer activities on and enjoy your time together. Build in a chore you need to do e.g. uniform
Afternoon have some quiet time where you both relax a bit
evening prep for new job time

I know money is tight but some removal firms offer a packing service. If you are struggling it might be worth checking that out.

Feel for you. You seem like a good mum so no worries on that score. I know you have to save money, but have you thought about only packing basic personal items and paying for the removers to do the packing? We did that when we moved and it took a lot of stress away. Also, ringfence a little time each day to do something you like doing. An hour if you can, but failing that, half an hour. Don't use it to do something you think will be 'good for relaxing' like yoga or listening to soothing music, (unless of course you enjoy these, in which case, brilliant! do them and enjoy). Instead, use this precious time for something you really like. Remember, life's hard at the moment but things can get better. Love and Best Wishes.

Wow I just wanted to say you sound amazing. You're doing a great job, I know it might not feel like if you can't see the wood through the trees. I think kids are quite resilient and I actually think long term it might be beneficial. I'm sure she'll be a strong lady like her mum.

If it makes you feel any better, I'm almost 40, and my mum still sometimes worries that I had a terrible childhood because I have an older brother who is profoundly autistic and non-verbal. Life was often chaotic, people stared at us, and she worries that she never had enough time for us.

Honestly, though, I had the best childhood. I don't have a bad word to say about either my mum's or my dad's parenting. I always felt loved, supported and happy, and I look back on my childhood with nothing but fond memories..

If you're worrying it's probably a good sign.

I’m saddened to read how difficult things have been for you, and I think you are doing an exceptional job of responding to the sudden closure of your school and all the linked upheaval to that.

You are doing everything you can for your child, making an incredible effort already to sort things out which were out of your hands.

I am sending you both my best wishes 💐

No advice but just here to say you sound like you’re doing amazingly and remember take some time for yourself once it’s all sorted and decompress xxxx

You should be proud of yourself. You're doing so well.

You don’t have to stay on medication long term, OP, but might help to take it for awhile until you get things sorted. Talk to your doctor.

Your daughter is six. She can help with packing too. You have handled it all very well. You're a great team. Enlist her help. Sometimes we think they're too young or should be playing but moving and changing schools is a huge deal. She will settle better for it. Time to chat while packing. And to decide what stays and what goes. It's na important part of the process. Even if she is operating the packing tape and no more! Best of luck. You are incredible:)

BS

Honestly I can understand why you worry about it, but it sounds to me like you are being amazingly resilient and flexible, and so giving her a great model. Without hiding how much upheaval this has been, try to celebrate everything you have achieved in a short time. Draw yourself a time line even of where you came from and where you have got to get you. From the sounds of things you are more than half way - from here it gets closer to the home strait.

I'm a psychologist, for context. You need some space to talk about the immense pressure you are under and all the feelings you must be experiencing (panic, stress, guilt, loss, anger/frustration). It's all very valid. Find out whether there is an in-house counsellor or mental health professional at your GP surgery as they may be able to see you fairly quickly. The GP may otherwise be able to refer you to IAPT who, again, should be able to see you quickly. They may have a counsellor, which would be helpful. CBT for stress or anxiety might also be offered but to be honest, your feelings make sense and aren't pathological, you just need a safe space to vent a bit. The other option would be something like the Samaritans or Saneline if you don't have friends to talk to.

I'm sorry things are so crap. Your daughter will be okay. Try to just make repairs with her, saying you're sorry you're being snappy, it's not about her, and explaining that you feel worried and stressed and tired because of all the changes, but that it will settle soon and things will improve.

Be kind to yourself.

I use the herb ashwagandha to keep me calmer in times of stress.

You are doing the best you can in really stressful circumstances and it sounds like you are doing an awesome job. Your daughter will be fine - a few months of upheaval and then she will be settled.

Wow you have a lot on.
can you message your friends for support ask if they can come over one day or weekend and help you pack? Or take your daughter out?
holiday clubs - look at council gyms they have days and local dance/theatre groups have weeks with show at end.
your daughters friends mums can they help? Just be honest there kids will be bored too an afternoon playing at their house would really help you.
i think do a small thing a day park, swimming for 2 hours will do you both good bit of excercise & fresh air. she should settle watching dvd & give you space.
up vitamins & diet you need to keep well.

You are!

Surely your pay is pro rata OP so you get paid end of September to end of August? You should be able to claim for that as well as redundancy surely?

You have so much on your plate and so little support! You're doing so well. Could you have an hour where you just do something nice with DD every day? Something that you'll both enjoy and isn't too stressful. That way if you're snappy at other times you'll at least know she's getting that time where you're calm and focussed on her each day.

I’d lean on your friends more. Tell them you’re struggling. Ask if they can have your daughter for play dates when they’re at home. If I had a friend in your situation, I’d be taking your DD for a few hours, or brining mine round so I could help you pack while the kids play.

You’re doing an amazing job 💐

I also wanted to add - a few posters have suggested paying your removal men to pack. I did this and it a) definitely wasn’t worth the money and b) made the move much more stressful.

They packed random stuff together (books + kitchen stuff in one box; socks and dressing gown and more kitchen stuff in another) which made unpacking a nightmare. I couldn’t find anything. They didn’t label the boxes. They broke stuff.

I realise this won’t be everyone’s experience, but it was an absolute nightmare. I’d never pay for this again.

Agree with this.

You are warrior op.

You are doing amazingly. Definitely ring around local churches/ council run clubs etc and explain the situation- hopefully they could take her for a day or two to relieve the pressure- or check out if new school has a club that she could attend to meet some new friends. I’m sorry you’re going through so much - but all you can do is take it one day at a time. Paintbrish with water, cheap craft sets, etc might also buy you some time. Also there’s a balance between stressing your child out too much but also explaining you are human : “ I’m sorry if mummy seems a little distracted/ short tempered at the moment - but I’m trying to sort a lot of things out so we have a nice figure together”. I’m so sorry you don’t have more support around you - but you are amazingly resilient and you will look back on this with pride!!! ( from one who has been there)