To not want to go?

[Garidose]

So, my DS (almost 2) is being particularly challenging at the minute and I am just so exhausted. It is my DH’s birthday this weekend and he has arranged for the kids to go his sisters whilst we go to a gig (all day) until 10pm. The thing is, I feel so exhausted and am really not in the mood to go out, I am also scared I will make him worse if I leave him as he just seems so clingy.

It sounds like you need to go out and have some fun tbh; your ds will be fine

Have a strong coffee and go. It's your DHs birthday, I know you're tired but it's already been arranged and it would be nice if you made an effort for his birthday.

Go, go, go!

It IS exhausting caring for a toddler but it is also easy to slip into a self fulfilling state of not doing anything.

Go, sit in the shade for an hour or so at the gig, and otherwise enjoy yourself. Dance, consciously tell yourself you are having fun and celebrating your DH birthday. ‘Acting as if’ kickstarts actually feeling that you are enjoying yourself.

Don’t get trapped.

GO! Drink a couple of vodka red bulls or just red bulls when you get there & dance! Put in your make up & your fave outfit

Fake it until you make it!

I sound really miserable, I’m just so exhausted , my head is all over the place, keep forgetting plans, conversations with DH, is it meant to be this hard. 🥴

Definitely try and find some energy to go - a day away from DS will do you & DH both a world of good. And DS will be fine for the day without you - it may be good for his clinginess!

You'll regret if you don't go!

My dc are 9 and 12 and I still hate the thought of going out yet have a great time whenever I push myself. Go! You'll love it. You can always leave early/go somewhere quieter later if you so fancy. Sounds like a break from a challenging toddler is exactly what you need

Tell your DH your exhausted but want to go, get him to deal with any night waking the night before and get your DS up and ready and let you have a lie in before you go

It's your DH's birthday and it would be rotten to let him down and not go. Plus, it sounds like a day out doing grown-up stuff without your whiny toddler is probably exactly what you need. Might do your toddler good to spend a day somewhere else, too - going to someone else's house will be a change of scene for him and probably quite stimulating.

What are you going to do if you don't go? Be stuck at home exhausted with a whiny clingy toddler?

Go. Your DH has made an effort and sorted a babysitter. Go.