And do you have any helpful advice for dealing with it? I'm having a phase like this with my 5 yo DD at the moment and feeling very down.
I have had counselling before about how I relate to her, but can't afford it at the moment so am struggling alone a little. She is loving, curious, playful and very sensitive and demanding - I feel like I don't have enough to give in terms of fun, cuddles, just being there. It's all about the practicalities and mundane stuff. Although I obviously try hard not to let it show, her constant need for cuddling and touching irritates me. I find times in the day just for her - always stories and bedtime routines, for example - but a lot of the time I just feel cross and overwhelmed.
We spent a weekend away together last year, just the two of us, which was great and we're trying to organise doing that again. I do love her so much, but worry that I don't show her that properly. She'd much rather live with my mum (who has just been to stay - we live too far away to see her often).
I don't have these difficulties with her 2.5 yo brother, which of course makes me feel even worse as a mother.