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Mother going through depression - best nanny source (agency or specialist or?) to aid while we go through this transition

8 replies

needadvice2026 · 09/08/2026 18:06

Please be kind.

Struggling so badly with my toddler. There’s a lot of other external life stress going on aside from this.

Doing it all alone

legal stuff with non involved father that’s ripping my mind and soul to shreds the last yr

and an impending home move that’s hrs away ahead of us

Im at the depths of severe depression and stress from circumstantial situations above been dealing with, but also with the worsening bond with my toddler due to LO being so difficult. I try so hard I honestly do. But nothing I do is ever right. I’m out of my depth, but I’m out of my depth amidst this huge life stage am at and dealing with also.

Once we’ve moved and LO is in nursery so much will brighten up both in our worlds.

But right now, I wake up wishing i wasn’t here. Her difficulties (likely picking up on my stress and sadness due to legal stuff going on, sheer exhaustion and loneliness of doing such big life stages alone basically. No partner to lean on. Feel like I’m drowning. And compounding that is a toddler who I feel hates me (I know it’s common to feel this).
it’s breaking my heart to the point recently (I know it’s the depression) thought would she be happier, is this difficultly of managing all this and her alone. No doubt will be affecting her.

The depression has had me on some really low times recently thinking I owe her a bigger family than just me. (We don’t have any extended family). My sheer exhaustion, depression is getting worse, our bond is getting damaged. I loathe myself for even admitting but at my witts end I asked her if she wanted me to find her a bigger family, because nothing I do is right) fighting back the tears (I’ve now cried a handful of times in front of her, which is not right) raised my voice. And now I’m in stage of just being empty, quiet and just letting her watch tv she wants to watch sitting quietly holding it all in when I feel like at my depths of I can’t do this anymore. I’m so broken (depression induced and stress of being ravaged by LO’s father’s legal team, even though we are so close to the end and it will be positive for us). It has ravaged me. I’m an empty mother, can’t eat, sleep, toddler who I try so hard with but I just can’t stop lately feeling if I disappeared now she wouldn’t remember. If I found her a nice big family. Maybe she’d be happier. But I know I can’t do that to her. I can’t end things. I’ve got to get better and get us through this transition.

So there’s the state of my current situation - apologies for the length. I’m writing this while I get 2 minutes to be able to!

Where is best to find a nanny who would be understanding of my situation (my mental health, without pretending the world is all rainbows). Toddler specialist. Someone to help me get her potty trained. Help alleviate the sheer exhaustion and how our bond is slowly deteriorating. Until she’s settled in nursery after our move.

Ive looked at independent advertised Nannie’s but should I be going with an agency who can vouch a person is legitimately great with kids, warm, fun. Toddler experienced to deal with the hurdles that come with this age.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
saveforthat · 09/08/2026 18:11

Sorry you are in this situation op. How old is your dd?

needadvice2026 · 09/08/2026 18:13

2.5

OP posts:
saveforthat · 09/08/2026 18:14

I'm not sure an agency could guarantee warmth. Best to interview a few and see if you get a feeling of warmth.

saveforthat · 09/08/2026 18:15

And get written references

Dencar · 10/08/2026 09:15

Please give Louise Moxon at Cocooncare a call.
Phone: tel:07771969978 07771969978

GrannyBee810 · 15/08/2026 08:37

not sure where you are in the country so difficult to comment . But having worked as a nanny I would advise you to use an agency . They will have checked the Nannie’s DBS , safeguarding and first aid . I know some good agencies in Hertfordshire I could recommend.
I now work as a childminder - this could be another option - you can use funding with a childminder just like a nursery . A childminder would support you with toilet training etc . If you were near me I would love to help you . Please reach out to your GP and tell them how you are feeling too. Please take care and know that this is just a stage and life will get better . Sending you love 🥰

GrannyBee810 · 15/08/2026 08:54

Just to add and hope this is helpful . All 2.5 children like to test boundaries and play their mums and dads up . You are not alone .
General advice - have a routine - toddlers thrive with predictable routine :
get up
breakfast
get dressed
go out every day - to park or even just walk around the block .
10 am snack - take out with you
activity - can be a bowl of water with sponges , painting the fence with water , Water and sand are a big hit with this age . You can just have a little sand on a tray .
11.45 to 12 pm lunch
1-3 quiet nap time - hopefully they will sleep - lie down with them if needed - you need rest too.
3 pm snack
activity or walk if not in morning
5 pm tea
6 pm bath into bed by 7 pm

this is just a general idea but your toddler will quickly learn the routine and hopefully this will help them and you . With behaviour be consistent if you say no stick with it . Generally they will only get upset a few times and then accept that’s the rule.
Hope this is helpful, I appreciate when you are depressed every thing is like trying to move through treacle or wet sand xxx

needadvice2026 · 15/08/2026 17:49

GrannyBee810 · 15/08/2026 08:54

Just to add and hope this is helpful . All 2.5 children like to test boundaries and play their mums and dads up . You are not alone .
General advice - have a routine - toddlers thrive with predictable routine :
get up
breakfast
get dressed
go out every day - to park or even just walk around the block .
10 am snack - take out with you
activity - can be a bowl of water with sponges , painting the fence with water , Water and sand are a big hit with this age . You can just have a little sand on a tray .
11.45 to 12 pm lunch
1-3 quiet nap time - hopefully they will sleep - lie down with them if needed - you need rest too.
3 pm snack
activity or walk if not in morning
5 pm tea
6 pm bath into bed by 7 pm

this is just a general idea but your toddler will quickly learn the routine and hopefully this will help them and you . With behaviour be consistent if you say no stick with it . Generally they will only get upset a few times and then accept that’s the rule.
Hope this is helpful, I appreciate when you are depressed every thing is like trying to move through treacle or wet sand xxx

Thanks so much for this 🤍

Really appreciate the time you spent giving that info, her routine needs adjusting for sure. Will put more of what you gave tips on into place.

Have someone young but seems very capable here for a trial. Am hoping when she heads off for family commitments after trial she says she wants to come back 🙏🏼 during this period am going through

Sometimes you just need to know there’s back up there and another adult around to feel sane.

LO will be in nursery in mid Sept and it’s a great nursery so I’m hoping all will come good in the coming weeks and onwards

Thanks again, very kind of you

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