Please help I don't think I can do this

[Coronacantcope]

I'm self isolating with DD 11mo because I have a cough. Dp was away when it came on and is in a vulnerable group so he is staying away for 14 days. We'll continue to isolate as a family when he comes back.

I'm 2 days in and I'm not coping at all. We're usually really busy, out at groups, cafes, seeing friends etc. It's been the longest 2 days of my life. DD is usually a happy baby but she's bored, fussy. She won't watch TV. Her attention span for anything - watching chores, toys, - is about 5 minutes. She cries if I speak to anyone on the phone.

The final straw is she woke at 3am, wide awake and giggling. I've not been able to get her anywhere near back to sleep. I'm exhausted and I can't face the prospect of another long day alone. I just lost my temper and shouted at her then had to take myself into another room for a long cry. I could hear her crying her eyes out. We've never been like this. What on earth am I going to do. I can't stop crying and I don't think I can do this.

@Ihavechangedmyname2manytimes

I know exactly what to do with my 8 month old, doesn't make it easier. Its lonely and exhausting.. A lot of people are very worried and trying to cope. Show some support.

I'm sure you would be so rude to a persons face If you weren't sat behind a keyboard.

@Skeeter2020 if you're a healthcare worker, you're in the wrong job.

Agree with @Skeeter2020
This kind of approach works with me 'they went through much worse so I can definitely do this'
I'm a single mum and I'm on week 2 of isolation. Luckily dc is very well adapted as we never did any baby classes so can stimulate alone.
I have no support from family or friends so I'm relying on strangers to help with shopping etc.
Your lo needs to get used to self exploration.

FFS. OP is sick, her husband is having to stay away and she’s caring for a young child at a difficult stage with no support, sleep deprived and facing a long period of isolation. She’s allowed to be stressed.

What sort of person thinks it’s acceptable to have a go at someone in distress? I feel sorry for you.

And I’ll openly admit I have absolutely no idea what to do with my children (but then neither do people who are far more qualified than me). And it’s a bloody horrible feeling. Don’t be so vicious.

What about a walk ?As long as you are at least 6 feet away from someone else you will be fine .Indoors there is a baby /toddler class online as well for everyone to join in .This is a difficult age and will be worse with this feeling of isolation .Can you skype DH and other family members ? Maybe play some music and dance with her ,have a little daytime bath with lots of bubbles .Best Wishes ,hang on in there and look forward to hubby coming home Lots of hugs to you both xx

Filling bottles with pasta (although there isn't much left now so maybe an alternative)
Taking the batteries out of a remote
Giving lo a shoe to try to put on.
Stacking things

Will people please stop recommending OP goes for walks?
The OP has symptoms ie a cough therefore she must stay indoors

Absolutely.

I do think Skeeter has a point, there aren't bombs going off,we aren't having to shelter in tube stations night after night,we are being asked to find a new routine in our homes which is hard be completely doable. It'll be easier when you can get out for a walk when your cough is gone/self isolating is over.

Thank God it's not 1980 with no Netflix, multiple TV channels or computers

The other end of the spectrum is trying to deal with teens who have had their whole lives disrupted/home from school or uni and trying to get them not to socialise is challenging to say the least when all they want is to be with their mates. At least your child will stay where you put them

Chin up

What about a walk ?As long as you are at least 6 feet away from someone else you will be fine not with symptoms,she needs to be indoors

It's 7 days from symptoms started for isolating hope this helps and you can get out and about asap!

This is from NHS website

Harsh as this sounds you have a choice, either knuckle down and get on with it, or continue as you are winding yourself up. I suppose a third choice is continue as you were if it’s that hard for you

However look on line, on Facebook there are lots of people putting forward ideas on how to keep children entertained. Break the day down into chucks and only think about the chunk you are in. If you have a garden you can still use that, pot some seed, get her to help water etc etc.

And stop panicking, she will pick up on it. Treat this as a game and she wont remember much

I have an 11 week old and I feel your pain. Just a hand hold💐 you'll be ok. Your doing your best for your baby and that means the world.

Ihavechangedmyname2manytimes

Clearly the #bekind memo missed you

Nasty 🤢

I’m from the UK but live in Canada. Here, every winter involves staying indoors for days on end when you have babies! There are often long stretches when you literally can’t go out because the streets have not been cleared of snow, or there’s a blizzard, or it’s just too cold, or the lift in your building has stopped working! When that happens it can be very boring and lonely to be stuck indoors with small children.

I was so looking forward to being able to get out and about again in spring... and then coronavirus happened!

The only way to get through it I guess is to make a mental adjustment and get used to the fact that this is your new normal (for now at least).

@washington You can go for a walk if you are away from others. If she gets up really early go then? When no one is about

This ^^

Your body is designed to move.
You will feel sluggish and apathetic if not. With no enthusiasm for anything.

Remember kids pick up on mood so by boosting yourself up your lo will reflect this back.

And

And in case anyone missed it:
@infinatecurve
*
You can use your garden, if you have one. You can also leave the house to exercise – but stay at least 2 metres away from other people.

This is from the NHS site,advice on staying at home if you are symptomatic.
So,yes - OP can walk.*

I always think of running. You know, no matter how much running you do or how often, the first ten minutes of a run fucking hurts. It hurts. Your body screams at you to stop and go home. It tries every trick in the book to tell you that you cannot run. The thought of running for 3 miles seems impossible.

And then you settle into it. The pain dulls, the miles tick by and occasionally you might even find yourself having a bit of fun.

The first few days are always going to be the worst. You will adjust, your DD will adjust. As others have said, you can go for walks somewhere quiet. I know your DD is a little young for this but some nice tips on www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51959957

This too shall pass and it won't always be this hard xx

Op sending you hugs.

You can still go out as people say. Get fresh air.
Your dd will not miss company, all she wants is you.
You'll find a new routine.
In many ways this will be a wonderful family time.
For many no, vulnerable people those that rely on respite, abusive household.

But if your in a fairly happy family look on this as a gift of time.

Wow I wasn't expecting so many responses. I'd love to say I had a better day today but unfortunately DD has come down with a vomiting bug and has been projectile vomiting all day and it's basically broken me, theres vomit everywhere, we're utterly miserable. She's just gone to sleep for the first time since 5am. The upshot is dp is just going to come back home tomorrow, we'll take our chances. DD has no cough or temp and my cough has subsided. Feel absolutely pathetic but just cannot go on alone. Nevertheless I really appreciate all the support and useful tips on here, thank you all for your kindness.

So sorry you've had a rubbish day, op

You got through today. Try not to think of the other days ahead - honestly, it doesn't help, it weighs you down, big time, at a time you really don't need it ❤️