What do you do when it all kicks off in the evening?

[WhatDoFlamesDoTheseDays]

DS has stolen my chocolate.

DD1 needs to do reading.

DD2 is howling when I put her down.

In amongst dinner, baths (ok, they are rare), feeding DD2, after school activities etc... it is all falling apart. I was ok doing it the odd evening when DH was going out somewhere, but every night and I am floundering.

What do I do???

I don't know what needs to "give".

DS is getting more out of hand as he is jealous of DD2 being fed, and DD1 with reading etc. I cancelled his preschool so he is spending more one to one time with me during the day.

Afraid I drink. Not a good solution but a bump nevertheless

Desperately trying not to do that as I know if I start it will go horribly wrong

Oh Whatdo. Sounds like you're having a bad day today. Booze of course not the answer, so crucially get a secret chocolate supply and never ever reveal it's location. Others will come soon and offer proper advice.

I'm not a lone parent but DH away/working late a lot so I struggle a fair bit and I only have one (shame emoticon). My respect for lone parents has always been high, but since havig a child myself, I worship at their alter. How on earth do any of you do it. Small children are immensely tiring and frustrating, joyful of course at times, but one of the toughest times of your life I reckon. Main thing is that mumsnet is fab for these times and although you cope practically alone, you aren't alone if you have Mumsnet.

Sure you're doing brilliantly really, so don't forget the times when you do manage it. One of my mates calls 5-8 the graveyard slot because it can be so hard ...

How old are they all?

I don't count myself as a lone parent tbh.

DH moved out 2 1/2 weeks ago on a 6 month separation thing, but we are still "together" iyswim and he has still been around a lot.

I don't know if I am just in denial.

DD1 is 6, DS is 4, and DD2 is 6 months.

I'm tired.

DH has arrived now for me to go out. DS is screaming over god knows what.

(Oh and the little git has found all my stashes)

The Witching Hour!
Put two eldest in a bath and feed DD2.
Put DD2 down and deal with bedtimes for siblings.
Breathe through DD2's yells.
Enter another mind zone.
Think of wine
and chocolate
Pretend you are on a documentary about fabulous mothers.
Kiss the darlings goodnight and retire into living room with wine/chocolate, tv remote and blanket and enjoy CSI with DD2.

This is how I got through.

Thank you Bath time becoming more regular sounds good.

dd2 seems to have a diff pitch cry than the others did or something, it gets right to me whereas the others i found easier to ignore.

Get earplugs.

No, really. You can still hear through them, so you aren't being neglectful or anything, but it takes the edge off.

Also, who says drink isn't the answer? Being a wino and living under a bridge isn't ideal, but letting yourself flop down in front of the telly with a glass or two won't kill you, even if it's a regular thing for a while till you get yourself back on track.

Give yourself a break, you don't have to be Superwoman!

I feel for you,not only are you dealing with 3 young children you are dealing (or not) with your own emotion distress. Could you not put DS back into nursery for the 3.5 hours a day he is eligble for, it stands them in good stead for starting school and if you use the one attached to the school he will be going to he will make friends with soon to be classmates. Then when baby naps you can too, and power nap will work wonders and make the evening rush easier to cope with. Do you have a surestart in your area. They are there to help parents of children under 5. Are there any parents of DD1 classmates who you could call on to help,take her to the afterschool activities playdates, sleepovers etc. Are the school aware of the situation. If they know what is happening they are often very willing to help where they can

Hold on to the fact that it will get easier DD2 will begin to feed herself while you and DD1 read. DS will begin to feel more settled. He is probably acting out because things have changed.

The computer is a wonderful thing but if your struggling the most sensible thing to do is admit it to someone who can offer practical hands on help or even a hug