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Original poster

Hate parenting

42 replies

itsme1978 · 29/12/2021 17:17

That's it really. I just find it so soul destroying, monotonous and relentless.......I just can't enjoy it and today I couldn't even pretend

OP posts:
SameToo · 29/12/2021 17:18

How old are your children?

Original poster
itsme1978 · 29/12/2021 17:21

Just have one......5

OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 29/12/2021 17:22

How old are your kids? I think ot comes in peaks and troughs. I'm in a good bit at the moment with an 11 and 14 year old.who I barely see (always out with friends or in their rooms) but are generally good kids. I am well aware they may turn into teenage nightmares at night moment. And definitely when they were younger the countless rounds of hide and seek took their toll.

grey12 · 29/12/2021 17:26

I assume your child is at school. Do you work? Do you have hobbies?

It is hard keeping them entertained.... but at 5yo your child should be playing independently at least part of the time. And when everyone is tired and cranky the electronic babysitter helps Grin there are good child friendly programmes on TV and educational apps on the phone

SameToo · 29/12/2021 17:27

Is there anything in particular you dislike or is it the responsibility in general?

Htfdsyke · 29/12/2021 17:28

It gets better OP

Hellocatshome · 29/12/2021 17:29

Do you have a partner or the child's father to share parenting with? Are you feeling like this because they are off school for the holidays or do you feel the same in term time? I would say by 5 it should be starting to get easier with them entertaining themselves for a while, being able to watch a TV programme from start to finish etc. Being able to take them to the park and leave them to play rather than having to shadow their every move. Is there any particular part you find overwhelming?

Original poster
itsme1978 · 29/12/2021 17:56

He doesn't watch tv or sit down. He's constantly on the go from the crack of dawn. His dad is amazing and does the majority share of the parenting

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OnceuponaRainbow18 · 29/12/2021 17:58

I’ve got a 5 year old boy who sounds similar and it’s exhausting. Soon they’ll be back to school, holidays are always tough

SameToo · 29/12/2021 18:02

Can he entertain himself? Otherwise that would be exhausting!

LadyCleathStuart · 29/12/2021 18:05

I have an 8 and 5 year old. Neither of them will play on their own, or with each other. It is exhausting especially with the holidays but we have learned how to manage them - plan activities, do things to exhaust them physically, schedule non negotiable quiet time (usually involving games consoles).

Georgeskitchen · 29/12/2021 18:08

Definitely tough when they are small. I was a single parent of 3 small boys? No parental input from the father. It does get better, especially when they go to school!!

Soosiesoo · 29/12/2021 18:12

My 5 year old is the same, she will play on her own but pesters constantly to play board games, cards etc. If you dare take your attention away, she keeps on. Drives he batty.

9 year old slightly better but then we have the battle of too much iPad time.

I hear you, I don't enjoy a lot of it at the moment either (highlighted by wfh with them at home so long I think too)

Original poster
itsme1978 · 29/12/2021 18:13

It's better when school is in but I dread after school and weekends

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WildNorthEast · 29/12/2021 18:19

It is all of the things that you mentioned. It is so tough. This is also a difficult week, no-one knows what on earth is going on. Some people fill it with family and friends, but to some it's the longest week ever, stuck indoors with children that need constant entertaining. The weather is RUBBISH, this does not help with moods or finding nice things to do. Sending you love and understanding.

PeaceONoeuf · 29/12/2021 18:35

Oh I was going to offer solidarity but I am concerned it may actually be despair as mine are 19 and 21 and I spend most days furious at them.
Sorry!

Bettyboop3 · 29/12/2021 18:39

Today you couldn't even pretend? I know it can be hard but have you thought about hoe your child feels? I have no doubt he's picking up in this and he didn't ask to be born. Have you considered a visit to your GP? You may be suffering from depression?

Original poster
itsme1978 · 29/12/2021 18:40

@Bettyboop3 I do suffer from depression and take meds

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bingbunnyismynemisis · 29/12/2021 18:54

@Bettyboop3

Today you couldn't even pretend? I know it can be hard but have you thought about hoe your child feels? I have no doubt he's picking up in this and he didn't ask to be born. Have you considered a visit to your GP? You may be suffering from depression?
Not really very helpful
Shebangshebong · 29/12/2021 19:28

Flowers and hugs OP. I am not a parent but it looks so so hard. There are various threads about this on mumsnet. I'm sure others will be along to offer solidarity and advice.

milkieway · 29/12/2021 19:37

Sorry you're feeling like this ... does your gp know you're feeling this way? It is so hard sometimes - but to feel like you dread the after school and weekends when your DS is there ... maybe you need some more support than what is already in place?
Sorry I can't be more helpful I hope things start to feel better soon

ohnonotyetplease · 29/12/2021 19:42

I could have typed your very words.
I want to find some well put, comforting, inspiring thing to say, but i can't think of anything, sorry! Just hugely hugely sympathetic with how you feel.
I think it will be better when routine returns.
Hugs to you x

Bettyboop3 · 29/12/2021 19:44

I'm sorry but is nobody else feeling for a 5 year old child whose Mother finds it too hard to even pretend she enjoys being with him? If it was the Father you'd all be shouting ltb - bunch of hypocrites!!

Op, maybe your meds need adjusting? It wouldn't hurt to go to gp - if you can get an appointment!

OnceuponaRainbow18 · 29/12/2021 19:45

@Bettyboop3

Well obviously we do, but saying that to someone struggling won’t help… will it?

Original poster
itsme1978 · 29/12/2021 19:47

@Bettyboop3 if I was a man I'd have left ages ago ........

No amount of meds will make me feel like I want to be a mum but on the days where I can't pretend he has a great day with his dad and is none the wiser. I'm an incredible actress

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