To be really dreading half term

[icecreaminspain]

I know I’m going to get a load of YABU, I cherished every moment with mine type replies but I am.

I just really don’t enjoy parenting my two together and so holidays obviously force this situation, Christmas nearly killed me. I don’t need anyone telling me I’m horrible - jus interested if I’m alone in this!

I think this is the issue. Your DH doesn't consider the need for childcare over school holidays as he knows you are available. When does he actually book time off? I hope he isn't one of those men who takes his leave when they are at school...
I think you need to look at how his leave is spread out. My husband gets 22 days a year, we then spread this across the year during school holidays so he is home as well.

Totally agree OP. Mine’s older but it’s simply very challenging in very different ways 😫

It’s an issue, not the issue. The issue is that two kids are exhausting and relentless in a way I didn’t realise before I had them! That said, I wouldn’t change it now … I don’t think. But ideally maybe I’d have had a bigger gap. That probably brings challenges in its wake too though.

I remember it well, and I remember thinking it was just me feeling like that, you are not alone. It doesn’t last forever honestly. Your kids will be a bit more independent before you know it, and will meet their friends and entertain themselves more.

We’re all different and have different levels of support and other challenges going on. Fair play to those that relish the school holidays but that wasn’t me when my children were small 😅.

Well I totally get it. Mine are 10 and 12 now but I had some very dark days managing the two of them together when they were tiny. I lived in a family friendly area of London with tons of activities for children and we had NT membership so my issue wasn’t lack of things to do. It was just the sheer stress of dealing with a two under 5 for the entire day. Getting them both dressed and out of the house. Dealing with the crying, tantrums, demands, having to pack snacks, wipes, nappies and god knows what else just for a day out. Honestly I’m shivering just remembering all of this.

Of course there were lovely times but on the whole I’m so much happier now they are older (although there are new challenges that come along as they grow up - I won’t depress you with a list of those😅).

Ignore the “aww it’s so sad you’re not enjoying them now” comments. It’s not sad, just realistic. Parenting very young children is exhausting and hard!