So Tired and Irritable

[moonmanic]

Hi

Not sure if I am posting on the right forum but it seemed the most relevant. I am a single mum and a student (I'm doing a degree and a separate accounting qualification with exams looming).

I'm studying into the night after 20 month DD is in bed and getting up with her around 6am the next morning. I am absolutely shattered. I feel like I'm going slightly nuts. I am madly irritable, can't concentrate, on edge etc. All the symptoms of fatigue. I know the only thing I can do to get better is sleep but I don't have any windows of opportunity.

DD's dad can't take her for the night because he won't make his home child friendly. I've asked my parents to take her (I told my mum how exhausted I feel). They are taking her tomorrow night but I would of loved it they could take her before then. I may be being unreasonable but I am slightly annoyed that they won't take her for a night earlier as I really need the support (I asked on Monday). They are both retired and have nothing else on during the week. I just feel annoyed they won't help me when I need it.

This morning I lost it with DD. She got up as usual at 6am-ish and was climbing all over me after I took her into my bed. I just yelled "STOP IT! Mummy is VERY TIRED!!!". She burst into tears and I felt awful. I then got up with her put Cbeebies on and have just been ranting to myself and feeling really put upon and annoyed.

EVeryday this week I have just managed to do the bear minimum of what I should be doing. A small amount of housework (like cleaning the kitchen surfaces) but I was not able to take DD to toddler group at all this week and have hardly been able to interact or play with her that much. I'm just a shell. I feel guilty for this.

I think the purpose of this thread is just to vent really. Thanks for reading.

I have read.
It is a shame your parents wont take her, but you cant make them.
How long till your exams?
Is there anyone else that you can safely leave her with temporarily?

You sound exhausted and everyone yells at their child at some point, so try not to feel so bad about that. Doing all of that study on top of all of the child care is bound to get to anyone at some point. 20 month olds are draining no matter what else you have on.

I can appreciate how annoying it must be that your parents couldn't have helped out sooner, but take a deep breath and hold on to the fact that you have some time tomorrow.

Don't worry about the housework - bare minimum is absolutely fine when you have a lot on and you can catch up when the pressure is off a bit.

The key thing, I think, is for you to catch up on your sleep. I know the temptation tomorrow when you don't have DD will be to try and catch up with everything, but you will feel a million times better - and be able to concentrate more, if you've had more sleep.

You will get to the end of this. Its just that you have a huge amount on at the moment at are getting to the end of your tether a bit.