I’m starting to dread waking up and having a full day with my children

[PaulHollywoodsSexGut]

Morning

I’m sure I’m not alone in this but pathetically reaching out for solidarity.

I work 3 days a week from home and I’m knackered after that. The other 4 days I have a decent and able DH who leads on the parenting and other stuff.

I’m dreading the days I’m not working atm as I’m less and less able to manage my children - who are actually handling this all very well but a mom stop chattering 4 yo, a bitey 2 year old and a nearly 1 year old who’s starting to walk and smashing her face off things is starting to make me not want to get up in the morning and face the day and then anymore.

We are in Scotland where in all probability it’s likely childcare providers will be closed for as long as possible and whilst I don’t know what to believe anymore I feel so absolutely mentally dead I’m there but not there IYSWIM.

I don’t know why I’m writing this, I’m struggling and wish I could just find ways to run the days down. I know they’re not this age forever and wishing time away is bad but I don’t care anymore.

I 100% get you. I have a 4 year old and a 9 month old. So bored, so fed up. I dread each long day ahead of us. We have a bit of a routine going but screen time is creeping up more and more. I’ve run out of juice. I don’t have the energy.

I look at my cat all curled up, snug and relaxed and I’m jealous - of a cat!

NICU /difficult births etc can lead to PTSD or similar. Its worth looking into counselling once lockdown is over as being able to talk to someone removed from the situation who won't offer platitudes will help - won't magically fix anything, but can be beneficial.

Thanks all, I’ve had counselling and I’m really keen to go again but with literally zero hours in the day atm it would be a challenge.

Solidarity to all of you presently navigating the witching hour with hyper yet utterly exhausted children x

@LolaColaMola Thank you for saying that - it’s harder work than actually being at school, but we’re loving all of the videos and photos we get on Seesaw and hope that we’re getting the balance right for families.

Feel for you. Got 3 yo twins here and whilst I love doing activities etc with them I really need them to crack on and play or be entertained without me here and there. We bought 2 leapfrog leappads in a sale. Highly recommend. And I always swore against screens for preschoolers. Needs must.

It is a truly rubbish situation for parents. My DS is five and is coping really well - does his lessons and is pretty good at entertaining himself - but he misses his friends and school. He's been talking about how he wants to see his friends and hug them - how to explain that he won't be able to even when school does open?
The baby is six weeks old and just about getting into a routine with breast feeding. This is about the time i wanted to start baby groups, sit in cafes, just snuggle on the sofa watching Netflix. The sofa snuggles are happening, but then i feel guilty about not spending the time with DS - not that the baby will be put down very easily.
It is nice that DH is WFH - his work is being really understanding and just telling him to do what he can. He's getting loads of time with the baby that he wouldn't be otherwise. I just want to get on with life!