Coping mechanisms for a tough day as a SAHP

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Imagine you are a stay at home parent. It has been a long week with an unwell child. You weren't able to go to any baby groups, or meet friends, as child wasn't well enough and likely contagious. You haven't slept well or had much time off in the evenings as child keeps waking and only wants you.

It's 3pm. Ages until bedtime. You both need to get changed before you can leave the house, as clothes are covered in food and snot. You're not sure where you'd even go anyway.

What do you do to get through the rest of day that isn't eating a bunch of cake/ chocolate? This situation comes up way too often with a germy little toddler and I need a better coping mechanism.

But only do long bath idea if you can supervise and not too tired.

These moments in motherhood are so challenging and the worst. It will get better I promise.

Oh and take it easy on yourself. You’re on survival mode so it’s just the basic necessities. If tv is on while unwell it’s not the end of the world. It’s about getting through it with the least amount of exhaustion and stress possible and keeping little one managed, that’s your only goal. Take it easy on you, you must be so worn out and sleep deprivation is a serious thing. Being soft on yourself and your child is sometimes what good parenting is l, if that means Cheerios for dinner and tv when sick that’s cool. You’re a good Mama x

Another vote for a bath. I get in with mine Whig they like. It’s a win win. Also wine with dinner will help

I recommend reading a post on here called 'sex in the shower'. Having a good laugh is therapeutic

The night before, prep a bag, and get yourself an outfit ready that is easy to chuck on and makes you feel decent (gym wear!). When you have both had completely enough, wipe the kid as best you can, grab the bag, Chuck your clothes on and get out. No matter what the weather or where you go- a change of scenery will do you both good.

I think the worst thing you can do is your 'main activity' in the morning because you end up back home by half 11 with the rest of the day stretching out ahead of you.

This with bells on.I often when mine where smaller,leave the big activity till after lunch.

Or go to a really far playground.Go by train.They love the train.By the time you get there,stay a while.Lunch and home.

@pusspuss9 I could do with a laugh, where’s that thread please as I can’t find it?

Goodness only knows. I’m on mat leave and have had either baby or toddler or both puking most of this week. Yesterday when I still felt halfway human I put them in the double buggy with blankets so you couldn’t see they were in pjs then walked round the block until they slept and got half an hour with them parked in the garden. Today I have felt too ill myself to leave the house and it’s been like Groundhog Day - I think we watched every episode of the secret life of the zoo on 4OD!

Hi pink day dreams

It' s here in the chat section, quite near the top. It's hilarious. The title is Sex in shower disaster (tmi) lighthearted why is it never like in novels .

I remember those days when I was on maternity leave, I was very glum, but if PND personally I think

I'd definitely go out for a walk and get a coffee when out - saying that I do recall exactly 10 years ago this Easter weekend being alone in the park with my DD who would have been 8 months and just crying because I felt so alone and didn't know what to do. DH at the time wS in the police so was working all weekend - those were awful days - they get better!