Three year old high needs

[ThreeAnd]

I love DS (3) so so much but iam totally overwhelmed
He is extremely high needs. Always has been. I’m just exhausted from the second he wakes to the second he goes to sleep I’m on high alert. I’m absolutely exhausted.

I know he’s 3 but he’s different to my other dc. Everything has to be EXACT or he has dreadful tantrums
Food is a battle
He has a set routine and he also has a short attention span so a difficult combination. Ha dot do the same activity daily yet when it’s over it’s over that second

If I get something slightly out of routine that’s the whole day ruined.
I’m just so tired ! I know all children are different but he is HARD work. He starts nursery in a few months. I can’t wait and then I feel bad as he’s lovely but relentless hard work

I think I just want to sit down have a coffee without being screamed at

I feel exactly the same about my 3 year old son, he is also high needs and I'm constantly knackered! I just want you to know you're not alone x I'm so looking forward to him starting nursery as well x

That sounds really hard. My daughter is a similar age & also quite high needs but in a different way. She has quite extreme meltdowns & it can be very difficult to get her to do certain activities. Transitions are also a nightmare for example bedtime/ leaving the house. No advice really but I can relate!

I feel guilty as I do love to spend time with him but he’s so draining and I have to be 2 steps ahead and constantly on alert and manage every second to try to avoid any upset and I’m exhausted !!!
I’m hoping nursery will be good for him too and he will get to have fun but I will need that time so much