To wonder whether parental burn out might exist

[Mam23]

I love my kids to bits but lately I find myself being short and irritable and wishing for a weekend away with DH - just the two of us. We work well as a team but lately family time seems stressful and work is stressful and weekends and holidays don't really seem like a 'break' as such because there's always a child needing something or wanting to play something or a squabble to deal with or a meal to arrange and it's not that I don't generally enjoy those things, I do, but AIBU to think that just once, for 24 or 36 hours it would be nice to not have to think about them and just chill with my hubby?

what about saving to visit family overseas then leaving children for a night during the trip so you and DH can go off alone? we did this once or twice with DB but he is only in Scotland not actually abroad, though it is opposite end of the country to us so may as well be

Or bite the bullet op and ask their friends parents if they will have them for a sleepover and you will return the favour for them. as long as you are honest and say you are off for the night away. Or have a night on the town and a peaceful night at home or a takeaway and some snuggle time in an empty house... all good for recharging batteries. We just had Sat night away on a groupon deal £76 for both of us for b&b, 3 course eve meal, free bottle of wine, rum punch. swim pool and jacuzzi at the hotel. it was great, sign up and see what comes up near you. we were only an hour from home but felt like a proper hol.

I'm another one who belongs in a straight jacket. One reason I am frantically looking for work is to see less of my kids.

We've often had friends' children for sleepovers and they return the favour, has worked well for us as we have no family nearby. I am sure that many people would be happy with that arrangement but no one likes to be the first to ask .

And no, calandarbear - I don't miss my DC at all !! In fact I do get quite a lot of time completely alone as DH and DC will often go away for a weekend camping and recently had a whole week away without me - and I love it .

op you don't say how old your kids are or if you work. I work part time and dp will sometimes take the day off and ds2 will have an extra day at nursery. A night off is more complicated but even spending the day without the kids and having a pub lunch can help reconnect.

trouble I have is that my 2 have separate friends, so I'd need to ask different people to have them, also everyone I seem to know has family nearby that help them out and so never need me doing them a favour

its just hard isnt it

Blueberryhill I would be really annoyed at that imbalance!

Aldiwhore you sound like an ace mum!!

ssd do you have anyone that you are friends with the parents rather than necessarily being the children's best friends who might take them both?

tourdefrance they are 7, 6 and 3. I work 4 days, DH full-time. We've done days off together before actually but not for a while. Time always seems to fly by so quickly but yes, it's another really good suggestion. Thanks.

Can I say, I bit the bullet (thanks mainly to the response on here) and asked a friend from school today. Has two children who know my 3, not necessarily their best friends but similar ages and not only did she say yes, she offered us 2 nights!!! We've booked into a little bed and breakfast just half an hour away and you know, already I feel more in control and calmer and more able to deal with everything. It's amazing - so THANK YOU all. I wouldn't have had the courage to ask without the feedback I received on here.