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Struggling with burnout as a single mum to a demanding three-year-old

1 reply

e16616217 · 10/07/2026 09:55

I’m a 23yr old single mum. I have one DD, who is 3yrs old. I’m really struggling with her behaviour, on top of being entirely responsible for absolutely everything. Her dad isn’t in the picture - we fled from him a couple years ago and were placed in dv refuge. We were rehoused 2hrs from family. So i am doing this entirely alone. I love her so much but im so burnt out. She doesn’t listen, doesn’t sleep, is very destructive, typical kid behaviour? Idk. Maybe i’m struggling because i don’t get 5 minutes peace. I just feel like a really crappy mum. Been heavily relying on TV to keep her entertained, which only worsens my mum guilt — but i literally have nothing left to give, i just need to rest. I make sure to have 1on1 time with her multiple times a day, but because she’s an active kid, i feel like her cup isn’t being filled with the calm activities we do together. But like i said, i have 0 support. Nobody to pop in and take over even for 5 minutes. I can’t even use the bathroom alone. Anyone else in the same boat? Ik i have no other choice but to pull myself together & get on with it. Just wish there was a way i could have a break sometimes. Feel like if i had time to connect with myself, i’d be an even better mum.

OP posts:
january1244 · 10/07/2026 10:32

It must be really hard to be doing it alone with no family. Does she go to nursery at all? They would raise concerns if they had any.

The behaviour doesn’t sound too typical. Mine are 2 and 4 and apart from occasional tantrums, they sleep 12 hours at night, don’t destroy things, and can follow directions. I have definitely found for mine their behaviour is worse with tv and if their diet isn’t good, so sometimes it can be a vicious cycle. But sometimes there’s stuff you need to get done, so…!

Are you able to work, or are you working? Sometimes I think the routine really helps, the adult company, and my children love playing with other kids at nursery. That time apart helps also

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