Is this supposed to be so tough (small children)

[Chattycat78]

Just that really. Spending today with 2 year old and 3.5 year old as I always do when I’m not at work. I’m finding it so bloody tough ALL the time:

• takes an age to leave the house. They won’t put their clothes on; youngest won’t get in the buggy.
• if I need to go to the shops, the 3 year old has a full on meltdown so it’s impossivke to do jobs outside of the house too.
• can’t get anything done. House is a tip. Every time I turn my back they are fighting.
• Impossible to cook, clean, you get the idea.
• trying to work 3 days a week, but even that’s so tough as the amount of prep required makes it feel impossible too. Am also falling behind at work (too much work really for 3 days) and there’s a pending restructure, so if I get made redundant I have no idea how I’ll find the time to get another job (or indeed do another job when my head is so full of young kids and my brain doesn’t work anymore)!

Not sure what my aibu is really. Just hoping for some solidarity!
Anyone else in a similar boat?

Mine are 4 and 2. My son starts school this time, thank god. I love the bones of them but jeepers they are hard frickin work together. They never want to do the same things at the same time. I feel like stretch Armstrong when we go out to the park or for a walk, they'll only walk nicely in opposite directions. Absolutely crackers and complete little sods at times. Trust me OP we all feel like this! Anyone who doesn't please tell me if you give lessons! X

You're all superstar mummys.mine are 6 and 4 you'd think sisters would dote on each other .nope every time I try to clean ,tidy up they fight like cat and dog and argue .its very tough and exhausting but I agree with the post that said just starting to boil over then they'll say something sweet or do something cute then you feel bad for getting frustrated. Is there friends near who you could have a play date with to break the day up and give you support ?

Yep. Small kids are hard work, no advice, but solidarity from a struggling mother of two.

Yep, i had the same age gap, husband who works away 4months of the year, no grandparents to help and i worked part time...
Absolute nightmare at times. Put me off having any more!
Sorry!

Yep everyone feels like this, I'd only worry if you're feeling like it all day, every single day. I've found there are good days and bad days - also that getting out seems to equal better whereas children for some reason more tired than normal equals worse as general rules of thumb.

Similar situation here, two 18 months apart and worked a three day week. Currently on maternity leave and have a 4 and a nearly 3 year old plus a baby. All seems a little easier weirdly as the older two get twds 3... Less tantruming and the eldest dresses/undresses etc v quickly now.

All I can say is it does get less relentless and they speed up a little. Also forcing yourself to tidy/organise every night (v hard when tired and totally against my nature to be organised so is an effort of will) really does pay off.