To think that having toddlers and teenagers together is a nightmare?

[user28191102]

Some may find it easy. However with a 15 year old, a 2 year old and a 3 year old, DW and I have been finding that we have absolutely no time to do anything on weekends. This is because....

It is impossible to drag said teenager out of hibernation before about 10:30

Then both 2 and 3 year olds are napping for 1-2 hours in the middle of the day (neither are ready to give up the nap yet)

And whatever we do, we have to be back at the house for dinner at 5:30 and a 7:30 bedtime for the toddlers!

AIBU to think that we have no time to do anything because right now my life is one big routemarch! Any sympathies/suggestions?

Isn't the teen quite self sufficient? It's not uncommon for 15 year olds to want to be snoozing in all morning in the school holidays. then seeing mates etc.

I would concentrate on doing stuff with the younger children around the time constraints. It shouldn't be too long before the 3 year old gives up the nap?

What do you want to do?

Just go out without the teen unless they have some sort of issue so can't be left alone.

Leave the teen to it. They don't thank you for taking them places, certainly not places that entertain 2 year olds. Make sure they know that if they want to come they are welcome as long as they get up in time so they can't accuse the little ones of pushing them out.

Having sex with teens and toddlers (in the family) - that's what's impossible! Whenever the little ones are asleep the big ones are awake, so it's silent sex forever. We went to a hotel a few weeks back just so we could have proper sex!

At one stage I had a new baby, 2 year old, 17 year old and 20 year old. I found letting the 2 year old wake the older ones up worked really well and then we didn't have set bedtimes so if we were out late it wasn't a problem.

We often divide forces which enables more one on one time with the DC. Or go out regardless and grit teeth through fractious bedtimes due to nap disturbance. I suppose it helps that we're all couch potatoes homebodies anyway.

You have a live in babysitter. No point moaning you decided to pop them out with a 13 year age gap
Poor you.

Nasty, Lola.

No 15yo should be considered a live in babysitter. How monumentally unfair.

You are mistaken! Teens and toddlers are ideal - particularly if the teen is a boy. Teenage boys find it incredibly easy to bring themselves down to the level of a 3 yo and will happily play games with small children. Teenage girls are also useful for babysitting whilst studying for GCSEs. Agree with others who say do things (like soft play) with the toddlers. Leave the teen asleep.

Also, you should have evenings free! Toddlers in bed and teenager generally keen on doing their own thing rather than spending time with ancient parents!

Socks - so the boys can do a bit of light playing but only the girls can babysit?

LOL - no, I phrased that badly. Just found with ours that teenage boys are pretty good at crawling about playing ridiculous games with toddlers quite happily, whereas the girls were bored with that.

On the other hand, my girls were much more studious and conscientious at GCSE and A level time that the boys - and were happy to stay in, earn some cash and get on with their work whilst babysitting small DS. But you're right, it sounded dreadfully sexist! It was just the way ours worked out. They liked doing different things with babies. (Girls mostly liked ignoring them, if we're honest)

I have a 16,14,12,11,9+3 year old, it's a juggling game!! Yesterday I took the 4 youngest to the cinema while teens Xboxed and had a lie in!! Last night had a take away with teens only. We have just got in from a family bowling session locally. Teens grab the chance for some home alone time while we do other stuff, then make plans with them too. Win win here!!

Leave the teen at home. If she really wants to go with you she'll get up and be ready.

And relax your strict teatime and bedtime routine a bit on days when you are going out. Also, age 2 and 3 would be ok without a nap or a nap in a buggy every once in a while if you want a whole day out somewhere.