I’m writing from the trenches. We had 2nd child 4 months ago. Since then child 1 (2.9) has lost the plot. He whines, he cries, he throws things, he stomps on his toys, “no” is his default to anything we ask him, he asks for cuddles at the precise moments I can’t cuddle (eg breastfeeding baby, changing their pooey nappy). I know he loves his little sis, I know he loves me as his mummy deeply and i know. his world is in turmoil but knowing it doesn’t make it any easier in the moment. I feel like I exist to meet their needs and everyday is merely about survival til their dad gets home and then survival until they’re both in bed after what is usually a shit show of an evening routine (toddler meltdowns, infant colic/ reflux/ something that makes her cry for 2 hours most nights). Then we have all the mess that’s accumulated during the day to sort out.
i love my daughter but I don’t love parenting 2 kids. I felt like life had a balance and I really enjoyed parenting my son before no2 came. I’m finding myself feeling resentful towards him that I can’t enjoy my baby when he is around. I know that children often ask for love in the most unloving ways, but oh man, how do I stop the mum rage building up?
back to the point: if you have 2, when did you realistically feel you were on top of things enough to enjoy life? Does it get better?