I don't enjoy being a parent very much.

[losenotloose]

Is that really bad? I love them and don't regret having them but my god most of it is just hard work! Dh is away for 5 days which just makes it all the more obvious. There are bits I enjoy like watching films together or going for a walk but I feel like the majority is shit. Dealing with arguments, difficult behaviour, attitude, ungratefulness, whining etc etc.

I don't think I'm a natural mother, maybe a bit selfish at heart. Am I rare in feeling like this?

Btw, they are 10 and 12.

It's bloody hard work

You’re honestly not the only one, there have been loads of threads like this on Mumsnet!!

Mine are 11 and 13...And I'm a single mum...I feel your pain.

Mine will argue like cats and dogs and then "gang" up against me. It's tiresome.

It's things like this afternoon. Ds1 spent 3 hours playing fortnite. When he came off I was hanging washing and asked if he could put the shirts (about 12) on hangers. His response is can I ask ds2. When I said no he asked why? He does this ALL the time. Why, why, why. If I give him a reason he proceeds to argue with my reason. If I refuse to give him a reason he'll pester for an answer. You've just been sat on your arse for 3 hours, just hang the damn shirts! I don't know how to deal with these scenarios effectively, and it's just so draining!

chit I honestly don't know how you do it! I'm not being patronising, I think I'd have a breakdown if I didn't have dh.

When I see posts on here from exhausted mothers of babies and toddlers, everyone says 'it gets easier'. Well mine are 8 and 10, and no signs of it getting easier...

Completely agree. I like mine most when they are both asleep and I can sit in peace with a glass of wine.

I have a two week old and threads like this make really difficult reading... I wish I could pause in this moment...

I'm not a natural parent either. Thought I would be but turns out I had no idea...

I've just gone back full time and have much more patience!

DifferentD35: they're so manageable at that size. Not very entertaining though, except the lovely serenity they exude when asleep.

How about a system where he has to earn Fortnite time by doing chores? Could that work?

@DisgraceToTheYChromosome I've suffered too many miscarriages to count and a very late loss and can't believe it actually went right this time. It's been awful and I can't help but feel I will never ever get tired of being a mum. I'll probably tell myself how naive I was one day, however 😜 this is entertainment at its finest in my opinion 🙂

One day they will have children, and you will be able to share the same feelings :)

yy former. 12 and 10 here. Never got easier. They just get louder and more determined. I sleep far less than I did a five years ago . Lucky to get them in bed settled by 10.

lose its managable because its life, I simply have to, no other choice. And because its easier than being in a shit relationship.
megle gawd the late nights. Its a killer. Was gone 11.30 last night. But then i think I've passed my nightowl tendencies on to them.

op at their ages soon they will being having a bit of freedom,hopefully they will have mates that like being out and about

then you wont see them much

I have really struggles this week and no amount of time to myself has helped! I really enjoyed the summer holidays but this week they have been rude and ungrateful! They are 3 & 6.

I could have written this complete with DH being away for five days. DD is only a toddler but she’s stopped napping and just seems to be grumpy and tired and has hit the terrible twos early. I also work with challenging children so I feel like my life is nothing but children not liking me and not listening to me despite my best efforts