To wonder if parents EVER get used to being needed/on call all the time?

[RedHotPokers]

When I first had DD it took me a long time to adjust to being needed so much IYSWIM (I generally really like my own space!). Being on the go all the time - feeding, changing, comforting....

Then when I had DS, it took me a really long time to adjust to having to have eyes in the back of my head, five pairs of hands......

Now DD is 5yo and DS is 3yo, and it just never ends. I haven't stopped all morning. Emptying potties, answering incessant questions, breaking up fights, cleaning up mess, comforting, reprimanding, repeating myself, etc etc etc etc. Same as any other parent I'm sure. It's like this until bedtime (unless the telly goes on!).

So do you EVER get used to it? I keep feeling like it's got a bit easier, and then potty training starts, or DD goes through a dramatic or emotional phase, or DS starts tantrumming!

Putting the hair back on the Playmobil people is most important though .........

It's kinda what we sign up for though, isn't it?

That's what I remind myself of when DS1 (6) is screaming that his LEGO creation of a dragon/spaceship/prison (wtf?!) has been smashed by DS2 (3) who is crying because DS1 punched him, whilst I fish out another loo roll that DS3 (1) has put down there.

Sigh.....My favourite statement at the moment

: "Sorry DS, but you have exceeded your quota for the number of times you can say "Mummy" today, even if we haven't even had breakfast yet. Due to this, Mummy will be going out of service for 5 minutes".

(pulls duvet over head and has a little howl).

LOL diddl!

Ceebee i do remember well!!! In fact it makes me feel bad moaning about dd1, ive read back on those antenatal threads at my poor deluded self eagerly awaiting the baby that would sleep peacefully under a tree in the garden whilst i read books. Now i'm a jibbering wreck of three years sleepless nights, my roots are 4 inches down my head and i have baby sick on my shoulder that ive wiped at with a baby wipe. So now the 'muummmmmmy' whine often has be roaring, 'what? What now? What?'

Then she says 'mummy i love you mummy' and i feel shit then!

Mine don't always come up for a cuddle now

However the minute they hear me turn the bath tap on, they are stripped naked and trying to bath with me. We are FAR too big to even fit me and one child in the bath together but I won't say no because I know it won't be long before they won't want to at all!

Lol doctors. Mine both had dreadful reflux, allergies, asthma, eczema and on and on. They screamed and screamed and screamed. Even now I look at gurgling, happy babies and feel slightly resentful (and in awe) as neither of mine ever did that lol.

I remember when they were little thinking how beautiful they were when they were sleeping and how it filled me with love and warm feelings. Till they woke up of course .

"And, I simply cannot bear to think there will come a day, when the DDs won't want me to tuck them up in bed at night, or won't come in bed with me on a Sunday morning for a cuddle"

Well we are past the tucking up stage, but still manage the Sunday cuddles (14 & 16)

Well maybe not so much cuddles as loll about & chat.

So you´ve probably got a good few years.

And as an adult when visiting parents it wasn´t unknown for me to have a chat/cup of tea in bed with my mum of a morning.

Mine are still babies really (18m and 4w) and I don't mind during the day but its the night time demands that I still havent gotten used to.

OP: I used to insist on quiet time in their own rooms for an hour or so after nursery/toddler groups when mine were younger, it meant I stayed sane. It started because it was the only way to keep DC1 quiet whilst DC2 napped, and boy was she a dreadful napper and a horror if she didn't get enough sleep during naptime, so it was essential in the early days. Once DC2 grew out of naps DC1 was so accustomed to it it was really easy to just continue it with the both of them.

I managed to keep it up with the youngest a couple of afternoons a week whilst oldest was at school until last summer. However, now that they're 8 and 5 and both at school I sometimes wish I could insist on quiet time a couple of days a week after school. Funnily enough DC2 has commented that 'we haven't had quiet time for aaagggeees' so I think it probably did both of the kids the world of good as well. Might have to renintroduce it at least once each week of school holidays.

Oh, and to finally answer your question. No, YANBU. :)

I only have one dd, but she is 9 now and it really does get easier.

Eventually the time will come when they can make you a cup of tea!!!!

Then we will all just have the teen years to worry about!!

Our dd is almost 14. When DH is away, she still gets into the big bed with me. DS used to get in too ........until he was about 14 so I know I have limited time now

I second apprieciate it while you can.

I'm in Liverpool and have begged mine to come and see the Sea Odessy, none of them are interested, so i haven't gone because i feel strange going without them.

It doesn't seem that long ago that they would have been counting down/not able to sleep, waiting to see such an event.

You are in the eye of the storm at the moment. It does get easier. Much easier (although there are new things to worry about). Mine are 9 and 11 now. They make cups of tea, sort out their own breakfasts, shower themselves, go out to the corner shop for you, play out etc etc.

There was a time when I could not leave them alone for more than 5 minutes without a row or fight breaking out.

Well I think u all need to steel yourselves!!!

Just had a call from our 22 year old, he has failed his final uni module and is inconsolable,

Ds 2 aged 21 was on a gap year in Thailand when he was 18 and was mugged at gun point and unable to leave his hostel as the red revolution was in full swing. We couldn't contact him.

Our dd aged 12 was badly injured in a school coach crash in feb, she is now just able to attend school full time despite flash backs and back injuries.

Enjoy the time they are little as they are safe.