I find having children difficult

[Sallyh87]

Every friend I talk to seems to say, they love having kids, love motherhood etc. In all honesty, I find it difficult. I have a 3 year old and a 3 month old. I love them very much and they do bring alot of joy to my life, but in all honesty I miss sitting alone reading.

So is it just me?

Parenting is difficult. It's a relentless job from which you can't take a day off. Even if you have some childcare you are very rarely "off" - the phone could still ring with a problem and they need picking up by xx time etc etc.

I'm fairly anxious and I worry about everything. My life isn't my own anymore. I adore my DC and my life is better than without, but it's also harder.

YANBU. Children are hard work especially at the age of yours. I didn't really enjoy being a mum when my children were young. They are now 7 and 10 and it is so much easier but like previous poster said it's a constant worry and there is always something to think about and I can't see that ever changing...even when they are adults

YANBU. I'm looking forward to the bit where adult DS comes round for a Sunday roast with a bottle of wine.

That said - you have a 3 month old and a threenager. Both of those stages were The Worst, particularly the 3 month old bit where I was going loopy from lack of sleep. It'll be easier when they're 4 and 7.

I missed reading, I don't think I looked at a book for about ten years when mine were small, as I crashed out the moment I got into bed.

It gets easier OP.

I have this but as a single parent I really don't enjoy it and find it incredibly hard but every single parent I read about says how easy it is. Makes me feel like a failure 😕

Do you have a partner? If so there’s no reason you can’t get time alone reading. Not as often as before but sometimes. I know that’s just one example but carving out time to yourself, here and there, if their other parent is around, shouldn’t be impossible and is important. I’ve got a 4 year old and a 4 month old so I know life is busy but I get an hour to myself on a weekend, we both do if we want it.

I've only got one 3 year old DD and I don't particularly like being a parent most of the time. She's very cute and I love her to pieces but she can also be very hard work as far as 3 year olds go.

I lap up any time to myself I can get. I don't really miss her if I get it either.

I know a few mums who are the super-mum Instagram type mums who have 3+ kids and their life is pretty much their kids. Taking them out every day, spending all day doing fancy arts and crafts, over the top birthday parties etc.
I cringe at all that. It's just not me AT ALL.

It's also mostly why I've chosen to only have one child. I like my own space and my own hobbies/interests.

I feel guilty about it sometimes, but as far as I can see my child is happy, she's polite, well-behaved (for a 3 year old anyway) and healthy, so I don't dwell on it.

I think most people find it hard.

I am having our second and mentally bracing myself for mat leave to be difficult.
My DH and i try and carve out alone time together and alone time alone.
I try and simplify my life as much as possible but it still feels like a lot sometimes

My DH is also in a much worse mood generally (maybe i am too?) Which doesnt exactly add to the fun....

It is not unusual to find it hard