I’ve let my 18 month old down

[Hellomidnight]

my 18 month old is unwell with a cold and not sleeping at all. I’ve had about 4 hours sleep in total for past 48 hours. She’s so unsettled that if i’m not holding her she’s hysterical. Dosing her up on paracetamol/ibuprofen as per doctors instructions, anyway, I just got frustrated / overstimulated and spoke to her with a stern tone of voice. I feel so awful because she is poorly and can’t speak to tell me whats wrong.

to top it off i’m trying to settle in her cot and my head knocks her water bottle from the side onto her, which understandably sets her off even more 🙄

These are the worst 2 nights i’ve ever had and i feel sad knowing she’s probably picked up on that. I don’t feel like a good parent tonight.

Not sure what I’m getting out of writing this but it’s like free therapy!!! 😃

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Looking after a poorly child is so difficult, especially when you’re sleep deprived. I hope she’s soon better. 💐

You haven’t let her down at all! If all she wants is her mum, then you’re obviously providing her with the comfort she wants and needs. She’s not going to remember a stern tone or an accident with the water bottle.

You’re exhausted. Are you on your own? Even if it’s just someone who can sit next to you on your bed, while you doze with her in your arms, just to make sure she’s completely safe, that’s better than nothing.

I’ve been there.

I went away for a long weekend with my partner and my toddler. We were staying in a cabin and my toddler was hysterical at night. I thought it was because it was a new place. He refused to sleep in his cot and screamed for hours.

Turned out he had a virus - hand foot and mouth. He was in pain and I didn’t know. I felt so bad.