To sometimes feel suffocated by parenting

[Mummytotwonow]

sometimes I feel suffocated by parenting. I love my children to bits but sometimes it’s utterly consuming and constant. My husband works so hard very long hours, I work FT and children are in primary school. Husband helps as much as he can but I just need a break from the constant “mummy mummy mummy” and being touched all the time. They are good children really but very full on. Anyone else feel like locking themselves away for a few days peace and sleep or am I an awful mum?

You're not alone. It is hard.
I've never met a mother who hasn't felt touched out and suffocated at some point, so anyone who claimed otherwise I'd assume was lying and trying to make other mums feel bad.

Why can't you get a break?

YANBU, at all. Lots of mothers feel this way, especially in the early years. It’s full on and incessant. As the months and years roll on, you’ll get more time for yourself back, bit by bit. You’re in the eye of the storm now, just hang on!

Any opportunities to leave children with sitters/childminders/grandparents every now and then for some respite? If finances allow, maybe book an evening out or a weekend away with your H. Or a night just for you. I know several mothers who once in a blue moon booked themselves into a Premier Inn or suchlike and left the kids with the H for a night. Got a takeaway, watched some films and got a bloody good night’s sleep. If you can afford some occasional treats, it’ll be great for your mental health. Also (to my surprise), I found a lot of respite in exercise- weights and yoga. Sounds like you have a very busy week but if you can fit a bit of exercise in, it’ll do you so much good. Hard when you’re already juggling multiple plates though! 💐