I want to enjoy all this extra time with my daughter but I'm feeling miserable, snappy and depressed. Is there anything I can do?

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi, I've been feeling a bit depressed recently. I'm not sure why. The only change in my life has been that we now home educate our 6 year old daughter. It is going well and I'm enjoying spending more time with her, but sometimes I just have no patience. She has speech problems and learning difficulties so it can be quite hard. I wish I could just enjoy being in the moment with her but I just feel quite irritable and snappy a lot of the time. She has been in nursery since she was 2, so it's quite different having her at home all the time. This weather dosn't help at all, I'm always happier in the spring and summer.

I just wondered if there's anything I can do, take or eat to boost my mood a bit? I don't feel like this often, I think the last time was when I was pregnant.

I'd really appreciate any advice. Thanks.

do you have a local HE group you could visit?

it's really hard being with them 24/7, so some groups that help break up the week may help?

We do belong to three groups, and we do meet up quite often which is really good for Lucy.
I don't know what it is. It might just be this miserable weather. I feel much happier today, although I've only spent the morning with her then went to sleep as I worked last night. She really cheered me up. She was being really funny and saying lovely things like "I'm glad you're my mummy"

I've spoken to my mum about it and she says I've probubly taken on too much etc, but she said she'll have Lucy for sleep overs ect so that me and DH can spend some quality time together. That will help.

Do you ever have time to yourself? Do you go out without her, or have a hobby that you enjoy?

Do you have a dh/dp or other relatives that can spend time with her so you get a break from each other?

Hi. I am no stranger to feeling depressed(especially in winter) and understand it is really hard having DCs around during the worst times. No matter how much we love them, Parenting is very draining!

Can you make an agreement to get out of the house every day? Even if it's raining? Just for a walk.

Is she able to play independently at the park - so you can stand near/keep an eye but still get a bit of headspace while she runs off steam?

I am going to be starting Zumba class with my mum once a week. I'm quite looking forward to it, it'll help to get more excersise.

the only time she's content without me is when she's got a friend to play with or is watching a DVD. When I have a friend around for coffee, she also wants to be centre of attention and will chat away, butting in etc. I'm trying to teach her not to do this. Maybe a reward after the person has gone would be good, that way she'd have something to look forward to if she dosn't butt in.