Toddler and preschooler support thread?

[Suchanamateur]

18 months ago I posted about how the hell I would cope when my DH went back to work and I was alone with my nearly 2 year old and my 10 day old. The good news is that I did cope and that we are a long way from those dark dark days.

I am however struggling with this current phase - a demanding stubbornly independent and not sleeping brilliantly 18 month old and a demanding whiny and bursting into hysterical tears because, well, just because, 3.5 year old. They are both wonderful and amazing as well but I am drained, exhausted, fed up of mealtimes and dreading the winter months.

I also didnt go back to work after DD was born and although in some ways this was the right decision - I had a very stressful long hours job - which I don't think was compatible with a young family - I think Im struggling with being a SAHM. DD is about to go to nursery 2 days a week (which her brother already does). I'm dreading the settling as she is as clingy as she is fiercely independepent, if that makes sense, but I want to use tht time to get back a bit of 'me', work out what I do next and be a better less shouty, impatient mother, and to rescue a but of my and DH's relationship.

I guess I just wondered whether anyone else frequently feels like running away? I thought that I'd have it all sorted by this point. And I so don't. Sorry - bit of a pity post.

i wouldn't cope either without my GP. They have just taken my dd this afternoon and are keeping her for the night so i can get some sleep. they pretend its so they can enjoy having time with her (and im sure some of it is) but really its to give me a break as they know im really struggling and am too proud to properly admit it.

dd is just so full on at the minute. i have plans for her every single day going to friends, playgroups, walks outside. but everytime we are in the house, which cannot be avoided, she goes into complete hyper mode. and cling to mummy mode. its exhausting!

How are we all?? I'm collapsed in front of tv trying to find the energy to start the bedtime mayhem. Am desperate for no bath tonight but my two are practically sticking to the furniture and fittings after sun and lollies.

I've already lined up my wineglass. And pre dinner snacks. Have decided to join slimming world next week so need a few treats this week before life gets bleak...

I need to find the energy to get the Hoover out after dinner. Any tips on coping with housework. Surely it's not possible to look after two little uns, cook dinner most days and have a respectable house, is it? Or am I just a lazy slat tern??

Hi Cani no housework tips I'm afraid. W have a cleaner and if she doesn't do it, it doesn't get done. She was away for a month in the summer and I still feel game when I think about the state of the house.

You off on hols soon?

Am settling at nursery this week. Seems to be going ok so far although today they will try to get her to nap there. That should be a laugh. And she's doing lots of nIghtwaking for hours at a time at the moment, which is breaking me a bit. At least spending hours in the nursery's office is giving me time to catch up on mn..

How's everyone else? Still out there an surviving? Just?

Yes suchan - Back from hols now. Though I'd forgotten quite how much a holiday has changed since having children! Spent the first half trying to find a family 'rhythmn' for all being together all the time...

Sorry you're having bad nights. Dd2 is struggling to go down at the moment but she's slept in 3 different beds the past few nights so I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. But at least once she's down, she's down. It's horrible going to bed wondering what the night holds.

Glad nursery settling is going well - bet she naps for them like a dream;)

I know exactly what you mean cani about getting the rhythm. It took us a good week and a bit. Hope you are now back into the rhythm of home.

Our nights are totally grim and I really struggle not to have a tantrum or meltdown myself. How can I have had two such shit sleepers?!

She did really well last week - albeit only 30 minute naps. We went in briefly today and she was quite upset - I think she might have realised that its not just holiday camp, and its for good! But she's also coldie, and overtired so I think its that as well. Keeping my fingers crossed she's ok enough for me to leave the building on Thursday and Friday, so I can actually benefit from the hundreds of pounds I'm throwing at them!

I've found a couple of good yoga classes that I'm quite excited about.

Hello - anyone about?? Have been racing around the country for a few days seeing family etc. don't you hate that feeling of total exhaustion on a Sunday evening thinking - bugger, how do I get through tomorrow? And that second glass of vino was a (lovely) mistake.

Is anyone bored of autumn already? My two have developed an obsession with going to the playground since it got cold and wet. Any tips for outdoor play that isn't cold or wet? Last time I took the two of them to soft play, I left practically in tears with the stress. Yikes - how long till spring...

Suchan, hope your child-free time is going to plan. My big aim this week is to join slimming world! Hmmm.