How to keep Toddlers Happy

[misskaur08]

Hi,

I have a DD who is 2.5 years old, very bright and very energetic. I also have a DD 5 month old who is lovely and calm but who is BF and wakes lots in the night.
I have no family nearby to help and a DH who works at the min 5 days a week long hours.
I had PND with my first and it returned when I was pregnant with my 2nd.
I'm exhausted, emotionally and phiscally.
I feel like I'm horrible shouty mum most of the time and I hate it.

I wonder how most people do it and have happy healthy children?
Anytips would be great.

thanks
x

This is a very hard time when youngest is up so much in night and older one is so demanding. Every day can feel like a struggle.
Please don't beat yourself up though. Your doing your best and your children know they are loved no matter how much your shouting at the moment.

Have you found out whether you can take an anti-depressant? I take them because my pmt was making me depressed every month and I wasn't able to be a good mum while feeling that way. They've really helped me.
On a more practical note. Can the older one go to nursery or pre-school a couple of mornings a week?
Does she enjoy watching tv? Get a few dvds and make sure she has that quiet time when ever you need it too. It may seem a little lame but this is just about surviving at the moment.
Think about when the baby is able to have a bit of solid food and you can go out by yourself for a couple of hours every weekend. You need some time off! Nobody works 24/7.