How do I get through the rest of the summer hols?

[CatsInChaos]

I feel like just giving up on trying to go out anywhere with the DC. I have a 3 year old and an older child. I was trying to get 3 year old ready to go out but she is so active all the time. I'm exhausted before we even leave the house!

I just feel I might as well not bother trying anymore!

have you a garden/outside space?

if so then just put water play out there (saucepans, bowls, jugs, washing up liquid ) and swimming costume or clothes she can get wet in and leave her to play - dont worry about going out.

I have a DS who is 6 but has global developmental delay and I find it very difficult to plan things with him as he will often say "no", take off all his clothes or make an awful mess. It is often late before we can go out, and we can't usually as my DD has to stick to tight meal times schedules because of her diabetes. Coupled with all that I have bipolar disorder and am a lone parent to boot - it can be hellish, esp. if no-one understands and thinks you're not doing anything with the DC. As long as the DC are happy then that's what's important. Don't plan to go out - if you have a window of opportunity then take it. Planning is never a good idea (unless of course you are going on holiday, a trip already paid for). Crafts are fun and making cupcakes, that sort of thing. Making up games and so on. There are lots of things to occupy them with other than making big trips out. Maybe it's more difficult with a 3 year old (can't remember that age now!) - but if you have a garden (a safe garden) then she/he can play outside with the older one?

As you have posted in mental health I am wondering if you feel you are mentally ill in some way. Can you say a little more about this, as I don't think you would have posted on here if it was just about a 3 year old mssing about. You will get lots of support on here.

Hi NanaNina, I am on AD's for 4 months now (Fluoxetine). - depression/anxiety. I seem to just about carry on as normal but some days can be a real struggle. I also get forgetful/confused as the DC distract me from what I was/am trying to do. I know they just want attention and I try to do my best by them but they are just soo demanding sometimes and I don't always feel I have the energy levels to cope with it. often don't get a full nights sleep either.

DiamondDoris You sound like you have your work cut out.

We don't have a garden so outdoor play for the 3 year old is a bit limited unless I feel up to taking them to the park. My older child is old enough to play out --as long as he lets me know where he is-- When they are together though they seem to be competing for attention.

Yes, DC do compete for attention, and it is difficult to juggle their needs, attend to them all the time. You have to sometimes say "no" to a child if they are constantly asking for attention, obviously in a nice way like "not yet darling, I need to [wash the dishes, put some clothes in the washing machine etc], and give them attention when they are not asking for it, eg when they are playing well. Watch them, join in a bit and then slowly remove yourself and get on with what you need to do, then go back a bit later to see how they're getting on. It is difficult to manage things when you have depression and anxiety. The most important thing is not to feel guilty (I know, easier said than done). You obviously love and care for your DC. They won't blame you, or even remember that you didn't take them out much - I'm hoping my kids won't - we have fun together whether inside or outside and they get lots of cuddles and conversation.

Sorry, just another thought - can you up the dosage of anti-ds as they might not be working well enough if they are making you forgetful (classic depression symptom). I know, I get forgetful all the time - bipolar does that and also the medication I'm on (not anti-ds) but we laugh about it and I explain to my eldest, my DD (she's 9) why I'm like the way I am. I get side tracked, but just carry on with something else

I don't know. I really feel maybe I need to see the doc again but don't want to take the DC with me. Will have to wait and see if DH can look after them sometime soon.

The forgetfulness is a PITA cause lately It affects my ability to remember taking my meds which probably screws me up even more!
Feeling like I've had enough today. --would like to just go to sleep but someone has to wash up--

I think it is definitely more challenging and draining having a preschooler in the house. I also have an older DC so know how much easier he is.