Lost in front of my kids

[HidingUnderMyDuvet]

Today was a bad day.

So many factors, but I ended up absolutely sobbing in front of my kids. Proper losing it. They are 2 and 6. I'm so worried that especially the bigger one is getting older and understanding more and I'm going to completely f*ck them up.

I'm not sure I'm strong enough to keep doing this.

Hi OP what making you feel overwhelmed? Your kids will be fine we have all cried in front of them. Do you have a partner or family near by?

Oh love, I've got 5 kids and I've lost my shit loads of times over the years. Forgive yourself, you're not going to mess your kids up by expressing human emotions in front of your kids. If anything you're teaching them that it's ok to cry sometimes and that expressing sadness and frustration is ok. As long as you're not harming your kids, which you're not, then it's perfectly fine. Give yourself a break, parenting and being an adult is hard

I'm so sorry you are feeling this way. Tomorrow just talk to your 6 year old. Ask them what they thought and felt when they saw you crying. Ask them to think of a time they felt sad. Ask them what made them feel better then explain what makes you feel better (you can lie a bit) a hug, a bath, a bit of chocolate. Then tell them that you feel better now, just like they always feel better after a while.

Reassure them that they don't need to worry about you. You felt sad for a bit but you are a strong mummy and you feel much better now.

This will help them process it and see it's ok for adults to feel sad too, but that you will be ok.

Just a lot happening this week, and lack of sleep combined!

No family nearby, and my partner was working late yesterday, which really didn't help matters. He's normally very supportive though.

Thanks @Holly60 and @Scooby5kids

I managed to calm down by bedtime and I read them one the stories about emotions and kind of said that I'd had a bad day, but it wasn't their fault and I will be fine. Poor 6 Yr old was thinking it was their fault.

Be kind to yourself OP, I hope you have a better day today. Everyone has off days from time to time, life and parenting has its ups and downs. As long as you talk to your kids and explain they will be fine. If you feel like this often you should speak to your GP though