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Have no idea where to post this - I need help though

9 replies

pleasehelpmenow · 29/05/2009 20:29

What do you do when you're scared you're going to hit your child because they are being really awful and you aren't coping because of depression?

The depression is being treated, by the way, but how to protect the child until the treatment really starts to work?

OP posts:
whomovedmychocolate · 29/05/2009 20:32

Parentlineplus - www.parentlineplus.org.uk/

confidential helplines and links to practical support.

Sorry you are going through this. We all feel like this sometimes.

smackapacka · 29/05/2009 20:34

I don't really have any advice but didn't want your post to go unanswered.

Last year I punched the floor in frustration at my DD (9 months at the time) when she wouln't stop crying. I broke a finger it was so hard. I got put on ADs but tried to adopt some strategies to stop myself getting so wound up.

I learnt that it was OK to make her safe and just walk away. Not sure how old your children are but that was a real lesson for me. At the time I was just being driven crazy by her but things did get better. I know that when I shout I ALWAYS regret it afterwards, and that nothing is achieved in anger.

I have punched/shouted into pillows but I have never felf that low again.

Can you go into a bit more about circumstances?

Mousey84 · 29/05/2009 20:36

What age is your child?

Tortington · 29/05/2009 20:42

like a previous post said - make them safe - go into another room

pleasehelpmenow · 29/05/2009 20:44

This particular one is 4. Have three others too though.

Scared of anti-ds.

OP posts:
smackapacka · 29/05/2009 20:55

So how is the depression being treated if not by ADs? Counselling?

FWIW ADs really did the trick for me. Just took the edge of the anger and joylessness I was experiencing. I was only on them at a low dose for 2 months and had no trouble coming off them

Are you able to elaborate a bit more about what's going on?

Heated · 29/05/2009 21:01

Sorry about the copy and paste but I was MNing with someone else about not losing your cool, as I found I was turning into a shouty and abrupt parent. It might not be relevent but I thought I'd post it just in case.

"1-2-3 Magic is posted about on MN occasionally.

It's basically calm, non-confrontational counting with a significant pause for the child to reflect and stop whatever misbehaviour they're involved in. When/if you get to 3 the consequence takes place, e.g quiet time in her bedroom or whatever you deem appropriate, allowing them and you time to cool down.

It works if you have too many parenting styles in place, have lost control completely or, in the case of my ds he gets so enraged that he can't hear to be reasoned with, and we also now do it with dd who is just 3, as if she's told no she does it even more with a big grin on her face!

It's simple and doesn't take up much emotional energy which is the best thing, you#re not left feeling ragged. But we try to balance it too, as you sound like you do, with empathy, acknowledging his/her feelings and plenty of cuddles too."

Hope you feel better soon.

mrsjammi · 29/05/2009 21:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

smackapacka · 29/05/2009 21:40

Oh yes - Mrsjammi - I remember leaving DD screaming once. I'd fed her, winded her, she was the right temperature, she's had gripe water, calpol, cuddles....

I just went outside with the baby monitor (on silent) so I could torture myself with see the flashing lights.

She fell asleep in about 5 mins (obvioulsy) - looking back I guess she was over tired but it's amazing the point you get pushed to.

I don't know anyone who can honestly say they've never felt like hurting their child at one time or another. The trick is to do something/anything before you reach that point.

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