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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask what stage of being a parent you least enjoyed

185 replies

Fennecfoxmummy · 15/04/2017 15:27

My little one is only 9 months old so obviously I have very little experience. I thought I would LOVE having a little new born but it was honestly the hardest time of my life and I don't remember feeling relaxed or happy for the first 3 months however now he is amazing I love seeing the new things he is learning. The older he gets the more I enjoy him without wishing his life away!
I know toddler years are supposed to be the hardest work. What's it like when they start school? I think I'll miss him like mad or are you glad of the break. Everyone's different I know. Just wondering what to expect really Smile

OP posts:
BackforGood · 16/04/2017 18:07

then they tell you they are going to uni and the day you help them pack up and move out to go to uni 200 miles away is one of the hardest things you'll ever do

Not my experience at all. Like carbuncle - it's nice getting to the stage where, once you tidy your house, it stays tidy for a while Grin. Seriously though, taking my dc to university made me feel proud of the young adults they've grown in to, not upset they were going to be away for a few weeks.

Sparklingbrook · 16/04/2017 18:33

DS1 is going to University in September. But not 200 miles away thankfully. He is so excited and I am happy for him. Not saying I won't shed a tear or two privately when the time comes but I am proud of him too.

dementedma · 16/04/2017 18:34

Really appreciate, there is nothing to cry about. They come back!

JustDanceAddict · 16/04/2017 18:34

Good question. Probably the baby years tbh as I felt stuck in a lot even though I had mum friends I had days where I didn't see anyone and it was tough. DD wasn't an easy baby either. When DS came along it wasn't as bad as I had made some more friends so was out and about more. Potty training was grim esp with DD. I had learnt lessons once DS was ready.
The easiest age is probably now - early teens - neither have yet got up to anything to horrific, I can have interesting convos with DD, DS welded to PS4/talking to friends through it but he does emerge occasionally when we make him and he rejoins society!!!

Sparklingbrook · 16/04/2017 18:35

They come back?! What?!! Grin I am having his room for a dressing room.

JustDanceAddict · 16/04/2017 18:37

Backforgood / I will also feel very proud if & when my two go to uni. DD is already talking about what degree she wants to do and is working incredibly hard at the mo for end of year 10 tests. It's a bit like when you drop for first day at school - the relief you've got them to that point and hope that they will settle in well and make friends.

PinkCrystal · 16/04/2017 18:59

Teenage for sure!! Nothing compares..

HereBeFuckery · 16/04/2017 20:21

Newborn, so far. Until DD sat up unaided (4 months I think?) she was possessed by demons, miserable every single second, barely napped without earth-moving effort, and seemed to hate being alive. After that, from about five/six months to 2.5 was fine, she was funny, responsive, easier.

Now, at 3 1/4, she is a bloody pain in the arse. Argumentative, boundary testing every second, bossy, rude. We are sitting on her for bad behaviour, but some days it feels like all I do is warn her of consequences, impose consequences, wait out the tantrum/screams, quick cuddle and start again. Oh, and play endless dull games of HappyLand never were toys so ironically named. However, when she's being easier, she's lovely, funny, loving, and kind. She shares well, and has a soft spot for smaller kids which is adorable. I also adore watching her learn, it's like watching a sponge swell with water. Sometimes, when she's pushing boundaries, like asking endless 'why is a horse' questions at bedtime when I've told her to hush, I have to bite my lip hard not to smile at the sheer moxie and enthusiasm.

I actually can't wait for teenage years I know, I'll regret that as I think it's such a fascinating transition, and want to help DD go through it with her self esteem intact, if possible.

minesapintofwine · 16/04/2017 20:56

I HATED the newborn stage, the toddler years were meh. Mine are 5 now and can honestly this is the most enjoyable stage so far.

Fruitboxjury · 16/04/2017 21:34

6-20m... on the move yet not independent, couldn't be left for a second, clingy, constantly crying, no communication, no reasoning, teething, every meal had to be cooked separately meaning you're tied to the kitchen, endless sleepless nights (a year long regression)... shall I go on?

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