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Original poster

What age do you think your kids were/are when life gets a bit easier?

78 replies

RoseGoldEagle · 14/01/2021 14:58

I have a 4 year old, almost 2 year old and 3 month old. I adore them, but find it very tough, especially with our nursery being closed and DH working away a lot. Anyone tell me at what age it gets a bit better/easier??!!

OP posts:
Norwayreally · 14/01/2021 15:06

My older three are 8, 9 and 10. They get themselves up in the morning and make themselves cereal so I can stay in bed slightly longer some days which is nice! They also know how to make themselves lunch and drinks etc plus obviously independently bathe and dress themselves so that removes a lot of pressure from me.

The biggest struggle is puberty which is just beginning for the 9 and almost 11 year old... I know the mood swings are going to get even worse but we’ve already experienced the door slams and screams of ‘my life is so unfair’.

Taswama · 14/01/2021 15:06

Age 3 here.

TeenPlusTwenties · 14/01/2021 15:08

Age 3-4. Then fine until 15/16.

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LadyOfTheFlowers · 14/01/2021 15:08

Mine are 15, 14, 12 and 10 and currently they are quite easy.
10 year old DD is having some bouts of attitude and temper of late but to be expected I suppose

LadyOfTheFlowers · 14/01/2021 15:09

I'm expecting things to change more so when the eldest is about 17 and the next one turns 15 ish

RoganJosh · 14/01/2021 15:10

8-9 here!

pinbinpin · 14/01/2021 15:10

When last one got to 10 for me and could leave him with the older teens for the evening while we went out without having to pay for babysitters :)

Stretchandsnap · 14/01/2021 15:10

4 is when I started to notice things were a bit easier

Fizbosshoes · 14/01/2021 15:11

I feel mine have been easier since about age 6 (The eldest is 14 now)

CityDweller · 14/01/2021 15:13

It gets easier in stages. One of them is when no one needs a nap anymore and all are out of nappies. So, about 3. Then another significant one is when they’re a bit more rational and able to be reasoned with. About 4.5

Mine are 7.5 and 5 and in many ways it’s so much easier. They play together for hours without our input, they have longer attention spans, they’re generally good company, etc.

But they still have their moments. DD (7.5) went through a horrible phase a few months ago, but is now again mostly lovely. Etc.

Chimeraforce · 14/01/2021 15:15

When she started reception in primary.
She's a September baby so it seemed like forever.
I always said she'd go to school just as she started to get interesting 👍

Mrsbclinton · 14/01/2021 15:15

I would say it got way easier when my youngest was about three and my older children were 6 & 8.

You are at a really tough stage age wise they are so young and you are up during the night with baby etc.

However I would say try and enjoy it as it goes by so quick. Take loads of pictures to look back on and bring back memories you otherwise wouldn’t remember!

LickEmbysmiling · 14/01/2021 15:16

when they understand reason and can entertain themselves - DD at 5 dd 2 at 8!

FreeButtonBee · 14/01/2021 15:20

much better when youngest turned three but hugely different now the youngest is 5. It's amazing (most of the time and in comparison to the bad old days of toddlers and a baby). Sometimes at the weekend I get up make them their breakfast and then slob on the sofa for 2 hours while they happily play. We can go out for dinner or lunch to a nice(-ish!) restaurant with a pack of cards and enjoy it (pre cover of course). No nappies rarely any broken nights, everyone can ask for what they want or need. Amazing!

Heatherjayne1972 · 14/01/2021 15:33

I’ve got two teenagers and a preteen
I’d like the answer too Op

When they’ve moved out possibly

Each stage has its own highs and lows.

Baileyscoffeeandcampfires · 14/01/2021 15:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

formerbabe · 14/01/2021 15:37

3-4

Primary years are lovely

converseandjeans · 14/01/2021 15:37

When mine were 4 it got much easier.

Ignoremeiaminvisible · 14/01/2021 15:37

25 and its still difficult

Christmasfairy2020 · 14/01/2021 15:44

Well my y1 6 year old is easier. She plays roblox, stage 3 swimming and rides a bike without stabilisers

warmandtoasty2day · 14/01/2021 15:49

when they left home Wink although there is the odd phone call [not text happy to say] when they needs advice or support.

BorisandHarriet · 14/01/2021 15:51

I would say I found the age your kids are now the hardest. And I didn’t have covid to deal with as well. Mine are currently teens and it’s not without its difficulties but at least you can walk away from them when you need to.

GretaSheen · 14/01/2021 15:54

I only have one DC so I don't think my answer will help but from about 4/5 it all became much easier.

MaryLisbon · 14/01/2021 15:54

I remember having babies and toddlers as being really hard work. I remember when dd1 was 1 a friend's grandma saying "they run you ragged at that age don't they!" and I was so grateful that she understood!
I think by your eldest's age it starts getting easier and I'm finding teenagers fine but it depends what they're like

Robbybobtail · 14/01/2021 15:56

My youngest (I have 4) is now 9 and I feel things have generally gotten a lot easier in the last year or two - I have much more free time and get a decent nights sleep!
In fact, I’m lucky if I even see the older ones all day! I have to force them to spend time with me Grin