I’ve told 4 friends that I’m struggling and they have all said the same thing

[IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece]

All 4 have DC, I don’t. They have all said “oh try having kids when you can’t leave the house” “oh I wish I had your problems, it’s a madhouse here” “you don’t know how lucky you have it!” “Honestly, don’t moan it’s even harder with kids”

I’m a nanny 60pw, I’m used to having noise and a bit of chaos, a small kid hanging off of me or on me, being busy, having a conversation with a small child or 3 (occasionally a parent!). I’ve been furloughed and I live alone. I am incredibly lonely and am really struggling without physical contact (I mean a hug or just being close to someone!) or anyone to talk to face to face. It’s painful how lonely this is.

I’ve FaceTimed some friends but they obviously have other things they need to do so we don’t Talk for long.

I feel like I am being unreasonable because it is harder with kids all the time I’m sure but fucking hell, the silence around me is deafening.

And so many people are in the same position as me, I don’t for a second think I’m special or the only one feeling this way but I didn’t expect to feel so unreasonable

@IpanemaGallina definitely, I'd appreciate that.

I've only listened (listening to at the moment) a daily podcast aimed at single women
a single serving podcast

the link is me listening to it on spotify - just google "a single serving podcast" if it doesn't work
It's OK - a bit American!

We are all struggling and it’s not a competition who has it worse. Hold on in there

@IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece I love your username, and I'm sorry you feel so alone. YARRNBU I say this as a postpartum depressed mum of a toddler, sometimes I feel like running out the house and never going back.

I have on occasion thought to myself that if be enjoying my lockdown more if I was still childless, so I can see your friends struggles, but it's a dick move for them to invalidate your feelings like that.

Everyone is suffering, but it costs nothing to try and be supportive. If your leg was broken and your friends had to have theirs amputated it wouldn't make your leg any less broken.

Some suggestions for solo lockdown - FB groups for nannies, or could you volunteer as a key worker nursery helper in your area? Comedy podcasts or watch an old favourite funny film.

I saw that they have started a befriending service for the elderly in lockdown where you call and have a chat each day with someone who is also alone?

Start a kitchen garden? Online book clubs?

Anyway, I feel for you and I hope that you find something that helps.

You are not unreasonable one of my biggest bug bears are mothers who use kids as an excuse that they are worse off or the "you wouldn't understand you don't have kids" crew. Even without your own you can still feel down, isolated and struggle, sending love xxx