To ask if what age this might get easier? Is it true this will only get worse?

[Lemonjs]

Dc is 14 months. Sees his dad once a month due to nature of his work, been like that since day one. I have no family support. I keep being told age two is the worst so prepare for that but I’m already finding it hard.

In the last week I have really began to struggle. I do work part time and to be honest those days are more of a rest as dc is in nursery. I find weekends hard as he won’t walk far but doesn’t like the pram. I gave up yesterday and we stayed in. II was ok but long. He’s pretty chilled generally but I feel quite low. Not really enjoying it anymore and everything is about getting through the day. He won’t play properly so things are thrown or it’s a v v v repetitive game that makes me want to cry with boredom. I do see friends but then it’s a case of packing looooads of stuff up for the day so he has everything. Will it get better? I hear two is meant to be even worse?!

Mine is 22 months. He's starting to get bossier and more tantrums when he doesn't get what he wants. But on the whole I think it's easier than when he was around 14 months. He talks a lot now, so communication is a lot easier. Not all will be talking much at this point, but most will have more understanding closer to 2. We went to a family meal to celebrate a birthday yesterday. I was dreading it a bit! But we had enough space, away from other people, where my toddler could sit on the floor and play with his cars. We were there for over 2 hours and we had a lovely time. He'd even made a little game up that there was a tiger in the restaurant😆 They get easier when they start to 'get' imaginative play and play independently a bit more!

There are definitely highs and lows at every stage. My 8yr old is currently pushing every button boundary and is very challenging, though I know I've been through worse, it's bloody hard right now.

Could you try a push along trike thing he can pedal and you push, or a balance bike.

I think age two is much easier than one, and three is easier than two. I read a book "How to talk so little kids will listen" and it really helped to manage the behaviour side of things easily. Now my daughter is three life is much more chilled and enjoyable.

Don't panic! They're all different you may be lucky. Terrible twos wasn't really a thing with either of my DC. DS was a joy until about age 5. (He still is mostly, but has ADHD and anxiety, which can be challenging). DD cried so, so much as a baby, it was utterly draining and felt like it would never end. But she grew out of it at about 18 months and has been an absolute ray of sunshine ever since.

In the meantime, can you afford an extra half day's childcare so you can do something for yourself? I would persevere with trying to get out most days, if you can tire him out in the morning you night get a peaceful afternoon. Soft play/trampoline place is ideal in winter. Have you tried one of those trikes with a handle so you can push it along? I would definitely get to a couple of groups if you can, as much for your own sanity as his benefit.

I think the first few months they're walking are utterly exhausting as they're getting into everything and have no sense of danger. It will get easier.

It will get easier. It will get better. I found there were more difficult challenges with my DC the older they got. But, and this is a massive but, you become less isolated as they grow. They are more transportable. They can start socializing with their own little friends. They go to activities and preschool and school and you get time to not have them hanging off you and you have a little space. That makes all the difference, especially if you are doing it all by yourself.

I have six and I can honestly say they are all different. I didn't find two that tricky. Three was harder but still manageable.

I remember with dc4 the stage where she could sit but not move, this small amount of time was great with the others... plonk them somewhere and they would stay there but she was just furious. For about two months. The rage was terrible! All because she couldn't get to where she wanted or get the toy she wanted.

Thanks !! Those asking about childcare, I could afford half a day to myself but I feel terrible leaving him in there more than the 3 days I already work. I do dream about it sometimes though 😂

It definitely gets easier. 14 months is tricky because they need so much work and engagement but they’re also into everything so you can’t ever leave them to it.

As he gets older he will become more independent and his play will become more interesting. He will also be able to articulate what he wants better.

Lots of people are very doom and gloom about how hard toddlers are but I found my son significantly easier as a 1 and 2 year old than I found him as a baby.

At that age mine went in a baby carrier/backpack every day to walk the dog. They're up high and can see everything and you can engage with them. Even wiggling their feet can jolly the up. They get to meet lots of people too. I did two baby/toddler groups a week. He used to "hold"the dogs lead while sitting in his pushchair sometimes to make it fun. Once they're toddling, reins/backpack allows them to have a little walk, then back into the pushchair with a snack. ( bribe).
Definitely find a way to get outside every day, it makes such a difference to your well being.

OMG do it! As a single parent you need that time to stay sane.

As @NameChange30 says, do it.
I didn't as I felt guilty too but burn out has had the better of me for years now. As much as I love every minute with dd, I'm sure I could be a better version of myself. Looking back I think I should have given myself a bit of time like that.