Tips for adjusting to parenthood?

[ApplesTheHare]

DD is 10 months and although everything is much easier than when she was little, I suddenly feel like I'm missing my old, carefree life. I love DD but for the first time this week have also resented her being there I'm not due back to work for another 3 months... Is this a phase? Is there anything in particular you found worked? I'm joining the gym this week and hope that regularly doing something non-baby-related will help.

p.s. I really do appreciate that I'm lucky to have a long maternity leave and also the time and money to join the gym...

Hi Apples

Your bound to reach a point when the 24/7 365 days a year for the next 20+ years nature of parenthood suddenly hits you. I think everyone reaches that point at some time.

I bet going back to work will help you with this. It give you regular blocks of time being an adult, being you, rather than being "mummy". You even get a lunch hour and proper breaks at work!

I've always kept my own hobbies that get me out of the house without the family a few times a week. The gym could help with this.

DH & I also strongly value our evenings. We are very rigorous and strict about children's bedtimes. This is not just about it being good for their routine, it is more about DH & I wanting at least a few hours every evening to be a couple, rather than being parents.

I know other parents who need more than just a few hours to be a couple vegging on the sofa. So organising regular babysitting for a date night once a week or once on month, or whatever. Personally DH and I prefer to use out babysitting opportunities for daytimes child-free, rather than evenings. Do you have parents o family nearby who could babysit to give you and DH time to do something child-free.