AIBU to have cried at a toddler group.

[beyondthebrink]

Took my two DDs to a new toddler group this morning. It was probably a bad idea as I had barely any sleep last night but I can't stand being at home with my two kids fighting constantly. My eldest (4) is starting school next week and at the moment is an emotional wreck. She's scared of EVERYTHING. Somebody asked her to sit on the mat with the other children to have a biscuit, and that was it, it set her off. She sat under the table and screamed at anybody who came near her. Meanwhile I'm trying to deal with my youngest (2) who now has a shitty nappy and fighting with the other toddlers over a toy pushchair.

On any other day, I probably would've coped a little better but I found myself bursting into tears. I felt so embarrassed and I didn't know anybody else there as it was the first time we'd gone to this particular group.

DD 1 clearly didn't want to be there but refused to leave as well?!

I eventually managed to gather my things, and the girls, and leave before the group ended. I cried in the car the whole way home.

I don't have any mum friends to talk to about the hard days.
My husband is currently working away.
Lack of sleep.
My eldest starting school next week (and maybe she isn't ready for it?)

It's no wonder I broke down in public but I feel so ashamed. :( I feel like I should be doing a better job at this parenting malarkey.

Feeling like a big, fat failure of a parent right now.

I did this once when my twins were 2. I remember feeling mortified and judged. I'm at the point now where I can look back and think actually it was hard fucking work and its no wonder I had a cry.

Please don't beat yourself up over this, things will get easier

I used to help at a toddler group and bazillions of people did this. I'm sad if no one helped you. I'd've counted it a failure against me if I hadn't helped you in that situation.

I found toddler groups a lifeline so don't let it put you off going if you want to try again.

I wish you had been at mine todddler group so I could have helped you. Honestly, I’ve seen loads of women cry at toddlers (and have done myself in the past) and it wouldn’t matter if you were an ‘old faithful’ of the group or if it was your first time. Someone should have helped you. It could be anyone of us having a shitty day/week/month and everyone at toddler group should know this and have tried to help you out a bit.

Try and be brave and go back next week. Toddler groups were my life line in the early days of parent hood and hopefully you will find your people soon and feel more supported.

Been there. Kids are hard work and we're all entitled to a meltdown every now and again. I sat on my front door step a few days ago sobbing while my 3 kids ran wild inside screaming as I just could not cope another second. Deep breaths, a cup of tea and tomorrow will be a better day.

Yep. I've done that at a baby massage group. Felt so embarrassed afterwards. I was utterly exhausted but a couple of the mum's were lovely. Never been keen on groups though. Your eldest sounds like mine. In fact both my boys are a nightmare at times. Bow I stick to the park. You will meet more mum friends now kids are at school. Hang in there. Most mum's have broken down at some point...some can hold it in...others can't xx

I went to a breastfeeding group once. Baby shat through her clothes and mine and I was so tired and hormonal i cried. Got given biscuits by a nice lady. When I was calm enough (full of biscuits enough) to leave, I was in the car park and somehow tripped over the car seat I'd put on the ground next to me, turning it upside down with baby in it and skinned both my knees and ripped my jeans. I cried again. Just as biscuit lady came out to see me sobbing on the floor.

I can laugh about it now!

You're not a shit parent, being at home with two is hard especially when you're probably all worried about school. I'm sure everyone feels like this some days.

I have 2 and 4 year olds and a whole yesr until one goes to school.

I feel you, you absolutely are not alone.

I wouldnt think any less of you if you cried at baby group

bbbbbb I’m with you. 3.5 year old and 2 year old and a whole year until school. It’s mega mega hard work and I’ve felt like crying at toddler group loads of times! Especially if I get those judgy mums whose children appear to be behaving perfectly while my older one runs riot and misbehaves...!

I was almost in tears today after dropping off my daughter at nursery and found myself not being able to fold the buggy that I was about to put in the store room ! It's a hard job we do, we all have our moments . You're doing amazing xx