Please or to access all these features

Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Two toddlers and I'm overwhelmed

2 replies

bluebluebells · 09/02/2026 09:28

I didn't know if I should post this in 'housekeeping' or 'mental health'. Decided on the latter.

I have two toddlers and I'm currently completely overwhelmed.

I'm a woman in my early 40's. I work 3 days a week and my husband works fulltime and in shifts.

We have recently had some major changes in life and it has completely knocked me down. I just don't know how to get our house and life in order.

I would love some tips and advice.

What I find hard:

  • The kids are at an age that they run around, play with stuff independently, but don't clear up after themselves. It sometimes starts early in the morning, when I come into their rooms and they have completely empties their washing baskets or wardrobes and the room looks like it's exploded. I tell them off course that they shouldn't do this, but they are toddlers.....
  • I can't easily go anywhere with them, because of their age. They both walk, but one very slowly and I constantly have to hold his hand. The older toddler can work around independently, but I obviously have to keep an eye on here all the time, since she can run off at any time.

It just feels like my house is always messy and dirty, and no matter how hard I work, it remains that way. Is this just part of the game and do I have to learn to live with it for a few years?

Life just really feels like an uphill battle at the moment. I am not depressed, just very very tired. Any tips would be very welcome.

OP posts:
DeluluTaylor · 09/02/2026 09:33

I had two under two. You need to lower your expectations re: house. The reality is that if both are alive at the end of the day, it’s been a good day. I found lots of parks which were enclosed and we just went there. Have you got any family to help? I made myself go out with one of them when DP was home, even though I was tired, just to get that time 1:1. It made me feel better too. They are probably both lovely, just not together lol.

FigurativelyDying · 09/02/2026 10:32

DeluluTaylor · 09/02/2026 09:33

I had two under two. You need to lower your expectations re: house. The reality is that if both are alive at the end of the day, it’s been a good day. I found lots of parks which were enclosed and we just went there. Have you got any family to help? I made myself go out with one of them when DP was home, even though I was tired, just to get that time 1:1. It made me feel better too. They are probably both lovely, just not together lol.

Yep. “Everyone fed, no one dead” is a win. It will get better

New posts on this thread. Refresh page