Anger and irritability

[Amazonian5]

Has anyone been through this? I am 42, post-menopausal and have a 2 year old DS. I have found the terrible twos much harder to handle emotionally than I expected. It turns out I have a shorter fuse than I thought, and I find all of the normal two year old behaviour hard to cope with. I am sure I am extra irritable from having gone through the menopause. I’ve always been emotionally strong and calm but I feel knocked for six, and I don’t like myself at the moment. I find it very hard to keep my cool when DS refuses to brush his teeth, but his shoes on, get in the bath etc. I have been using patches for 3 months and I think they are helping to an extent. In short I don’t recognise myself and don’t like myself at the moment. Can someone tell me if it gets any easier? (Both the parenting and the menopause emotions). None of my mum friends have been through the menopause and find it hard to relate.

I'm not very knowledgeable about the menopause I'm afraid, but hopefully someone else will respond who knows more than me. Regarding parenting, looking after a toddler is really infuriating at times, so don't be too hard on yourself. It is very annoying when they won't put their shoes on (or they do, then take them off again). But it does get a bit easier once their ability to communicate improves. Also when they are a little bit older, they'll find it easier to understand why they need to do things (like wear shoes).

Most parents find the twos very tough. Go easy on yourself.
I am super snappy with dp atm...hate it.