To not really be enjoying my days off with my children at the moment?

[Cassaaaaandra]

Feeling really guilty about this. I work 0.6, so three days a week. Leaving me two days to spend with my preschool children.

I really love them but I find them such hard work: the noise (feels like barely a minute goes by without someone crying, shouting ‘mummyyyy!’ or ‘watch me, watch me!’ beloved of the older one.) The younger one follows me around crying for ‘carry, carry.’ I got a bit impatient with her today because it was so hot and she’s heavy.

Even quite low key activities end up a drama, they love the trampoline but the younger one hates going on it when the older one is bouncing, then she can’t get off it on her own so I end up stood outside baking in the heat.

I do get them out of the house on walks and park visits and so on but still it’s stressful and tiring.

I do actually enjoy having them each alone so hoping when DS starts school it will get easier …

I never found it fun, I love mine to bits, would die for them without hesitation but actually spending a whole day with a small child can feel like time has stretched out and every minute is an hour. I think this is normal OP, my parents chucked us out the house to play with the kids in the street, unfortunately that is not an option for me and I’m way more worried about safety than my parents were.

I find it hard work when we stay at home for the day or when I haven't planned something to do.
Generally I will plan to go to playgroup/ soft play/ role play centre etc and then go park or cafe or shop afterwards too so we don't get back in until the afternoon.
Then I feel no guilt about just putting a film on

See mine are a bit little for films. DS has just got into some of the gentler Disney stuff (Toy Story, Cars) but DD no chance and DS wouldn’t watch anything she would like. Plus while she’ll watch an episode of in the night garden or Hey Duggee she then loses interest and wanders off.

We do spend time out of the house but it’isn’t really a euphoria either, to be honest!

I remember these days so well. Mine are teen/tween/7 now and honestly, it gets easier. I look back now and, much as I obviously adore them all, wonder how I coped with the sheer amount of input required when they were little. Exhausting!

I found it so hard and tiring and just not fun when my 3 were small, the days would drag and it's so very very draining. I honestly don't miss it now that they're all older. Is there any way you can get back to work full time?

YANBU. It gets a tonne easier when the big one goes to school and you can focus on age appropriate stuff with the little one.

YANBU I basically refuse to ever have my two preschoolers together on my own! Can’t you put the older one in nursery or pre-school?

YANBU it is tiring but it will get easier OP!

Can you go up to 4days or full time?

Op it's bloody gruelling!! Nothing is usually smooth and they get in the way as fun suckers
I had to keep asking for help on here at different stages for structure and activity and sanity but also remember it's not about you it's about them.
They get to be with mummy, relax, chill out at home with the person who can just about tolerate then the most!!

YANBU. I enjoy my days with my 3yo but only because my eldest is in school. Couldn't manage a gap smaller than 4 years!

i think spend as much time outdoors in parks and nature exploring as you can.. At least that’s as good for your mental health and their growth.. National trust houses, etc.. . can you find another mom with similar age kids to meet?? That helps too.. kindred parenthood at all helps..