Normal to feel lonely when I'm not?

[beigeplatter]

What the title says really...

I have two lovely (under 2) children. I arrange days so that we do something like playgroup or sensory class most days. I take them for walks some days or have family round. Most days I have adult company at some point. Yet I still feel so lonely. Usually on an evening when the day feels so long and I know I have to do it all again tomorrow.

Is this normal? Any tips?

Presumably you've got a dh somewhere in the background? Doesn't he provide you with friendship/love/companionship? Have you got friends? I don't often meet mine but we zoom quite often. Would that help?

@dillydollydingdong this is ok the 'lone parent' forum. Op is a single parent no dh

Yes although I hardly ever have any adult company so not the same but yes I would say it’s normal when you’re a single parent

What are you doing when it's just you? Do you have any hobbies or something you enjoy in your own company? Or is it companionship you really want?

I find that young children are not the right company for combatting loneliness. They are demanding and dependent as well as draining and have no empathy or insight into the world of adults. There can also be a sense of feeling trapped with them.
Maybe go to work if possible and continue to get adult company when you can. There are some apps for mothers, maybe worth a try.

@Dillydollydingdong

Presumably you've got a dh somewhere in the background? Doesn't he provide you with friendship/love/companionship? Have you got friends? I don't often meet mine but we zoom quite often. Would that help?

no dh by definition. Yes I have friends but I don't like to ask them round in the evening as it's chaos putting kids to bed and they have their own families. It's the evenings I struggle with.

@Worldwide2

What are you doing when it's just you? Do you have any hobbies or something you enjoy in your own company? Or is it companionship you really want?

I have hobbies but a baby who hardly sleeps when they are put down. Probably part of the reason I feel like this is because I have no me time to do my hobbies. Thanks for replying

@Toloveandtowork

I find that young children are not the right company for combatting loneliness. They are demanding and dependent as well as draining and have no empathy or insight into the world of adults. There can also be a sense of feeling trapped with them. Maybe go to work if possible and continue to get adult company when you can. There are some apps for mothers, maybe worth a try.

You've articulated it better than I could. That's very much how I feel.

I haven't braved the apps but I'll try. Thank you.

It's not companionship I'm looking for - just someone who talks in full sentences would be great

I think I'm a bit worried about whether this is PND or normal in my situation so wanting to see if others feel similar really.

worldwide thankyou for pointing that out

@beigeplatter

It's really hard to have any time to yourself when you have a small baby so I understand. Is there anyway any friends or family can babysit for a little while so you get to clear your head/start up a hobbie or just some very needed down time?