To feel like a completely ineffectual parent

[CristinaYang]

DH was away last night.

I could not, for anything, get my three year old daughter to go to sleep. She was exhausted. She had been on the go all day with her grandparents so I was so sure she would be out like a light.

Nope. Still running the floors at half past eleven last night. There was nothing, nothing I could do or say to persuade her to lie down and close her eyes. She wasn’t upset or anything. She thought it was all hilarious. Eventually I lost my temper and shouted at her which did nothing but make me want to cry (she didn’t care). I had so much to do (organised for morning, wash bottles etc). Eventually after 10pm I took her downstairs with me to watch tv while I did my jobs. She conked out in bed with me about half eleven (then the baby woke up, but that’s a different story).

I feel crap today because I feel like I have no control here. I feel like she took the piss out of me and I don’t know how to change it. She wouldn’t have done that with DH (and I wouldn’t say he was particularly strict with her).

I’ve had no space from either of them since Friday night and I feel very fraught and tired today

We all have bad days/nights and sometimes 3 in a row! Don't worry about, deep breath and move on.
Is your DH home today? Could he take both kids out to give you a bit of space?

Are you sure she didn't have a nap at her grandparents? Did they take her out in the car?

No they went for a long walk. She wasn’t at their house they were at ours. Otherwise I’d be asking the same question 😬

3 is such a lovely age

I learnt quite quickly I had to change tactics when my DD turned 3. I often had situations like yours and decided it was easier to just go with it so I’d have the duvet on the sofa and a film on the TV. She’d usually go out like a light when I did that and I’d move her back to her room. Pick your battles, stick to fighting the big ones otherwise you’ll drive yourself mad.