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AIBU?

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Original poster

to be stressed by constant affection from children

37 replies

iamoverstimulated · 21/08/2026 07:59

Feels really mean to be writing this but my five year old can’t walk past me without a long drawn out embrace. Has also started saying ‘mama! mama!’ in a silly voice like a wind up doll and wanting cuddles. Three year old climbing on me, clambering over me, slamming into me arrghhh when is it September

OP posts:
ErlingHaalandsManBun · 21/08/2026 08:30

iamoverstimulated · 21/08/2026 08:21

If is very sweet but it can also feel really stifling; the main issue is when I’m trying to do something else and they have me in a stranglehold 😂

I remember this well. 😂It is very cute but also pretty annoying.

I used to get down to their level, give a cuddle, then firmly explain that 'mummy is just folding the washing and can't do that with you on me. Go and play with your toys/read your book and mummy will do this and then I will be with you and we can do X,Y,Z'

Usually worked while I just got on with what I was doing.

Time to get a little firmer and they need to learn 'no' and 'not right now' and that sometimes they need to wait for your attention. 🙂

MerryUmberHedgehog · 21/08/2026 08:22

Firmly tell them no.

Rocknrollstar · 21/08/2026 08:22

Make the most of it. In 20 years time you will be back here complaining they never phone you.

Original poster
iamoverstimulated · 21/08/2026 08:21

If is very sweet but it can also feel really stifling; the main issue is when I’m trying to do something else and they have me in a stranglehold 😂

OP posts:
ErlingHaalandsManBun · 21/08/2026 08:20

Awww, I know it can be hard sometimes but try to embrace this stage if you can.

This stage will be over soon enough, it won't last forever, and one day you will hold their hand for the last time, pick them up for the last time and actually be the one fighting for their affection.

Try, if you can, to remind yourself of this each time you feel a little annoyed by it.

Until then you are in the 'grin and bear it' stage 😂

Wine helps 😉

(and before anyone says anything, no I am NOT suggesting she has a glass of wine in one hand while juggling the kids in the other, but in typical MN style, you have to point out that this was tongue in cheek 🙄)

Gloriousgardener11 · 21/08/2026 08:13

As annoying as it is this won’t last forever, one day they’ll think it’s gross and embarrassing!

JuliettaCaeser · 21/08/2026 08:13

I do sympathise shame we can’t bottle this stage and revisit it in bits when they are 13 and 15 and are just avoiding you!

whiteroseredrose · 21/08/2026 08:11

Haha. Yes. I think it’s called being touched out. Hard to admit but lots of us feel that way sometimes.

Teamrabbit · 21/08/2026 08:11

My youngest - nearly 10 is like this - she also calls me mama - most likely something they’ve watched.

It can get a bit much sometimes when a nearly 10 year old is asking for constant cuddles when your brain is falling out and you just want to sit for 5 mins with a cup of tea.

On the flip side of it - she is the last kid now who is willing to touch me 😂😂 And yes sometimes those cuddles are very much needed. She still sleeps in my bed so summer holidays are INTENSE.

I went to bed later than her the other night to avoid her and when I walked in to the room she was awake and said ‘Good evening’ and pulled the covers back 😂😂

I don’t ever think she will move out ( which I’m secretly glad about 😁)

DChesh34 · 21/08/2026 08:05

Children can be overstimulating, and it’s normal to not want to be touched all of the time.
I would also try to make the most of it at the same time - there will come a time and they won’t want to know you.

Both things can be true. Joys of motherhood!

beaglescurleduplikebagels · 21/08/2026 08:01

Not unreasonable at all.

AlgaeDreams · 21/08/2026 08:01

YANBU

I know what you mean 🤣