does anyone else feel this way?

[lucindapie]

I just feel like a lot of the time I am with my dd (16 months) I am just craving time to myself, and to be alone. I am fine doing the basics, of parenting, but so often I just don't have the energy to interact with her on a deeper level.

Does anyone else feel this way, and will parenting always be this exhausting?

Somebody once told me that parenting is the hardest job in the world, but also the most rewarding.

I guess things will get easier once your DC starts nursery/play group & you have a bit of time to yourself. Do you have a partner who could help a bit?

I feel that way too.

Before you know it, they are at school, and then you crave the holidays so that you actually get to see them.

OP, my DC2 is also 16mo and still sleeping badly. FWIW I do remember reaching a point with DC1 when she suddenly started sleeping better and it was like....the fog lifted. I had a bit more energy again. Then, as I said, whoosh, she was gone into the school system.

Do 16 month old children have a deeper level?

I DO, and I feel so guilty that I didn't give enough time, attention to him. One of my friends actually admitted that she feels bored playing with he DD and rather do her stuff. Another my friend said that the baby is not to eliminate your life but to be a nice and pleasant addition. Both of them are great mums and want only the best for their DC. The thing is I think we expect too much from ourselves. We are still alive too and want things too. And the complete truth is if mum is happy the baby is happy. You know I am telling all this to you but I am telling it to myself as I still will feel guilty :-). You are a great mum if you are worried about it. One book said that it is our job keep trying and make mistakes. They want our love not everything perfect. And they need space and independence to learn about everything. I know you will still worry but just remember you are a great mum :-)

I know what you mean, OP. I've been a parent for over 5 years now and it is still stressful and I do crave time to myself sometimes, wishing I could just be left on my own to daydream for a while, or zone out when one of my favourite tunes comes on the radio. You cannot do this when you've got a 5yo asking 'Mummy, what does X mean? What times are we having dinner?' etc. You just cannot switch off! They constantly demand your attention. It does get overwhelming at times.

Have another baby, OP, then your DC will have someone to play with

I feel the same as you and it helps if I get out and about with other mums or family/friends/playgroups.

Alone trying to do one to one with a small child does not come naturally for many people.

I feel like this all the time! I love all my children so much (5 of them), but towards the end of the day I am counting the minutes until they are asleep so that I can have 'MY time'. I have been known to shout at bedtime for the kids to 'just leave me alone so I can be by myself for 2 minutes!' Or, heres another frequent phrase, 'okay everybody, I'm going to the toilet now. If theres anything you need to say, say it now because I will be gone for two minutes!' And no, they cant last that bloody long!

I don't play all day with my baby either, I dont have the time or energy for it. But I do show him loads of love and he gets plenty of attention and entertainment from his brothers and sisters. As someone else said, the main thing is to show them you love them, be there for them and listen to them when they need it. Dont stress about the rest. (easier said than done.)