I feel really fed up today

[RooRem2]

I know in the grand scheme of things I am lucky and things could be a lot worse. But today especially I just feel so fed up and it’s not even 10am yet that I’m writing this. I’m a sahm with a 6 year old and 18 month old. The 18 month old is just a typical 18 month old and my 6 year old makes me want to rip my hair out daily. I barely have anybody to talk to or see. I have dp but he works full time Monday-Friday (which I’m grateful for) I have no money so I can’t take the kids out and I don’t drive so can’t even go on a drive to somewhere. I will probably feel a bit better tomorrow but today I really can’t be arsed. I just want to cry. Does anybody else have days like this?

Do you have access to money?

@GrazingSheep I do normally but it’s been a tough month money wise

Yes, I get a bit like that with the sheer monotony of it.

The feeling of being at home but not being able to relax because of having to look after the children.

The constant asking for snacks, having to make sure they're sharing and playing nicely. Them trying to follow me around the house even to go to the toilet, and messing up rooms that were tidy.

The feeling of wanting to get out of the house so that they can burn off some energy but simultaneously feeling like I'd rather chew my own arm off than go to the same old park and risk having to make small talk with other parents at the swings.

The age difference meaning that few activities are suitable for both without another adult there to help. My eldest would walk and walk which is lovely when we can get to somewhere nice, but my youngest just wants carried all the time, and then they both get pissed off.

Oh god I remember feeling at my wits end sometimes when mine were little. Presumably the 6 year old will be back to school soon which helps.
Have you considered working, at least part time? I found it helped save my sanity, even at the point where financially it didn't really make much difference because our childcare bill was so high. I just found it helped to all round, the kids as well as me, to have a focus apart from just being 'mum.'
Another suggestion is to get outside and do free stuff- walks, picnic in the park, collecting leaves etc to make pictures. There's a lot you can do without needing money or transport though I completely appreciate how utterly shit it feels to have no money for the extras

Do you have a library or a park near by? It'll do you the world of good to get outside and you might be able to strike up conversation with other parents, the children will sort of entertain themselves, take a flask with you and make whatever lunch you would have as a picnic to drag out the time.

Im a single parent and I found having a podcast on made a world of difference to the loneliness, just hearing another adults chatter helps.

I'm sorry to read that you are feeling a bit low today, me too!

I have found that since the Covid-19 lock downs and a family bereavement last year some days just feel tougher than others.

What I try to do to brighten my form is, turn off the news and social media for a day - I don't need EVERYONE telling me how difficult the winter will be, when I can do nothing to influence the outcome of it.

I also list three things I am grateful for, ( usually DP, DDog and comfy shoes!) then I try to remember a spark of joy I've experienced in the last day, no matter how tiny ( my last one was that there was enough milk for a cuppa before bed!) then I try and remember that time passes quickly and that no matter what I am feeling right now this too will pass 🙌

I would interpret your fedupness as a clear message you need to shake things up a bit.

I second the advice about adult voices, I swear by radio 4 in the background; you soon start to recognise familiar and favourite presenters. Also, getting outdoors, it's easy to go stare crazy at this time of year.

Zombie thread

FFS! Thanks @HeBeaverandSheBeaver . How can you have a zombie of so few posts?