to ask how much you enjoy motherhood and what are ages/genders of your children?

[beclev24]

Recently I've been feeling that motherhood can be a bit of a slog. I have 3 DC, all boys. I adore them all but the days tend to feel fraught with breaking up fights/ dealing with mood swings/ managing their behaviour etc on top of all the day to day stuff like cleaning/ washing / cooking etc. I rarely feel relaxed around them and always feel "on duty."

I'm interested to know if there is any correlation between how many kids people have and their ages and genders and how much people enjoy being parents on a day to day basis. I'm not talking about how much people love their kids- I think most of us do. I'm talking about the day to day experience of it and how much it feels like a joy, and how much a slog or a challenge. Would love to hear other peoples' experiences.

I love motherhood today but some days are difficult and I’d sell her to a stranger most days.

I have a girl aged 3

I also have 3 boys and it's very hard to enjoy parenting when every day is filled with stress . This morning we had to be out at 1 , it took an hour and a half of constant come ons to finally get out , then there was fighting in the car , we then went for an activity day and after the activity day the middle one swore at me and threw his canvas drawing that he had made through the town because despite telling him it was good he screamed its fucking rubbish in town ... then he pushed the youngest over forcefully , a lady gasping as she walked past and he ran away . The youngest one moans a lot , for example he wanted to knock for his friend today because he said there was a party , no there's not a party I said and I don't know where your friend lives ... he said she lives in that house ( random house ) no she doesn't I said and he had a performance kicking and screaming for around 2o mins. Every time we go out as a family there is fighting and also my oldest never takes responsibility for anything . The messiness is exhausting, the oldest boys don't want cuddles anymore either ... Academically the oldest is losing interest too and rules don't work . .. so much stress with rules . We have rules but they are constantly pushing and try to be domineering and outsmart the rules . 3 is enough ! I never want any more children ! I would always be flabbergasted when I heard parents shouting at their children but I truly understand now . .. my Boys are rough and aggressive ! And exhausting !

@beclev24 and I'm 31

I wish I had family support or even support from their dad .. every day I wish that .The 6 weeks holiday will be just me and them and work won't break the time up because I don't work .Family support makes a hell of a difference and if you have it appreciate it and her as much as you can

Some good days, some bad days. I enjoy motherhood provided it's only one of the things I do. I cannot abide it 24/7. I am always exhausted. I'm 33 and I have ds aged 3 and dd aged 6 months.

I'm 46. I love being a mother and spending time with my children. DS1 is 22 and is independent. DS2 is 14 next week and currently spends most of his time with friends. I don't force him to accompany us everywhere and enjoy the time he chooses to be around us. DD is 11 and great company. DH and I know she's growing up quickly and appreciate the time we get to spend together. I have a life limiting condition so time seems extra precious.

lola212121 that sounds like a day with our three! (the fighting/ irrational tantrums/ can't get them out of the house etc). They can all be lovely individually but there's always something kicking off. how old are yours??

duckbilledplaty . that's a really good description. Probably about the same here.

I have two boys, 6 and 8.

They are wonderful. I think I’m really in the sweet spot, where they’ve grown out of toddler stubbornness and irrationality but are not yet stroppy teenagers.

They are funny and kind and cuddly and I am delighted they are on holiday now.

I enjoy it the majority of the time, I have three boys age 9,7 and 3. Since the DS3 has turned 3 things have got much more enjoyable, I found it very tough at times before that as he was a tricky toddler in a way that the other two weren't.

Luckily they all get on really well (although I'm aware this may not last) and I think that makes a big difference. My sister has three girls a little older than mine and they argue constantly which I know gets her down.

I have two sons: aged 4 and newborn.

My 4 year old is super fun and we have had a great time on weekend "outings". Here's hoping that I still love being a Mum of two!

I'm 39 and I have a DS of 12. I love it, even though he was a difficult toddler, but had no desire for another.

I don't think I could do the job I do with more than one and DH isn't a great deal of help.

Three aged 4, 2 and 4 months. Girl, boy, girl. Absolutely loving it mainly due to the fact that I'd prepared myself mentally for total exhaustion with a third but it hasn't been the case - she sleeps! She's smiley and adorable 98% of the time. The older two entertain each other and eldest is becoming increasingly more responsible and reasonable. Neither resent the baby, in fact they seem to adore her. Times have been harder - when eldest was under 3.5 days were very hard, changing nappies all the time or dealing with toilet accidents. Both tantruming. Right now 2 yr old is almost three and we're struggling with potty training a little but it feels like the final major hurdle for him and I'm living in hope.... Tantrums a lot more infrequent. I've heard anecdotally that the primary school years are easiest and found with dc1 that age 3.4 tantrums really died down and she became a lot less prone to tiredness and more reasonable. So in three years time all should be amazing. Until teenage years tick around!!!

@beclev24 yes individually mine are so much nicer . 11,7 and 3nearly 4