Come on over to the sofa with some biscuits, I need a moan.

[Hoopsadazy]

Toddler driving me up the wall ? am I being too soft? Too strict? Psychologically damaging him? Is he driving me into an early grave?

How much chocolate should I really eat in one day?

I never get time to myself as I have 12 hours a day with toddler while husband is working so I don?t get to go out in the evenings as he is never home in time for me to do that.

I just want a couple of hours a day of peace - ones where I am not asleep.

I hate housework, never have much adult conversation and am in need of a holiday.

Sometimes wonder if it?d be best if I worked and put toddler into nursery, even though it goes against what I think I should do.

Is it just me? Or is life hard for everyone with a toddler in the house and when you have just one income?

p.s. questions above (apart from last one) are mainly rhetorical

Have you thought about part time work? And, without wanting to start a big debate, when you say 'what I think I should do', does that 'should' relate to
your personal beliefs (in which case, that's fine obv), or does it come from some sort of perceived pressure from society/family members etc?

I work part time (three days a week)- we need the income, but also, it enriches my life. I like coming to work. I like having my own money. And my daughter loves her childminder and her friends there. If you are feeling fed up perhaps it is time to at least re-evaluate what you want to be doing.

Life is hard with a toddler - I'm sure anyone with a toddler would agree - especially 12 hrs a day with not much respite. Please don't beat yourself up for wanting some time to yourself. I always said that when I had children I would be a SAHM just like my mum was, but in reality (now I've got a 26m old) my entire attitude is different!

I work p/t, 3 days a week also, and for me it's the perfect balance. It keeps me sane and gives me a chance to be me, not just DD's mum. It is also, and just as importantly, good for my DD - she loves nursery and has lots of friends and is a very happy, confident little girl and her development in terms of language and social skills is great. I enjoy my time with her so much more for having the 3 days break IYSWIM?

Forget what you 'should' be doing and think about doing what will make you happy. Happy mum = happy child.

I do feel a bit bad when I think about working instead of being a full-time parent. However, am starting to realise that I am better at work - prob cos it is easier! - and not sure am good at the parenting stuff. Makes me feel bad but am not sure I am worse than anyone else.

Think it is different as had career before and it is hard to suddenly be at home with the bloody housework - I think I'd prefer the parenting bit without the housework thrown in automatically.

I can understand how you feel and you do sound like the sort of person who would benefit from part time work if you can get that. Even if it's not the career you had before it would be better than nothing just to get out of the house and have some adult conversation.

Housework is monotonous, I find that and I actually quite enjoy hoovering and stuff and it's obviously harder with a toddler at your feet. I suppose you just have to tell yourself the benefits to your toddler ( and yourselves) of the housework actually being done, namely, you have a clean house, clothes and food in the cupboard (all pretty important!)

That evil phrase ' I never get time to myself' is the killer, what I would give for another 6 hours in the day when I'm not a) mithered by 2 DCs and b) knackered.

I would suggest going with your basic instinct, if you are miserable as you are then that tells you it's probably best to change something. Good luck.