to think being a stay at home mother of babies and toddlers is an absolute bloody dodfle.

[StillIRise]

compared to being a full time working (shit shifts) mother of stroppy, hormonal, expensive, complicated teenagers.

I am much more bone achingly knackered now than I was then, after a day of playdough and music group, with an afternoon nap or quite hour in front of a disney dvd.

The days when i could do tea, bath, story and bed by 6.30pm.

Compared to 8 hours on my feet, bit stressy, get in, feed 3 different times, drop off, pick up, nag about homework, worry about dodgy friends, drugs and unprotected sex.

U?

I think not.

Errrmm...

I think the hardness of parenting is more like a U shape. Bloody hard when they're babies/ toddlers but I think there's a lull during primary years when it's less physically demanding but you still know where they are and what they're doing at all times! Then the teenage years hit and it's all go again...

OP, hope you're having a peaceful end to the week.

May your teenagers be studious, antisocial, and quiet of a Friday night. (Deluded, I know, but I can send those sorts of vibes your way )

I think it depends entirely on the kids tbh!

I think it depends on the toddler and the teenager really.