Sorry, Firstly I know I’m not the only one struggling Today I’ve really just had enough. My son (5 years old) is absolutely unmanageable. His behaviour was slightly challenging pre covid but since covid it has been absolutely awful.
I work >full time in the NHS (front line HCP), work has been exhausting however, has allowed some form of normality/support (in terms of seeing colleagues) for me.
I live in a high rise with no outdoor space so days off I’ve been going for lengthy (boring) walks with my son. Still despite walking for miles (>6miles) he’s still wide awake at gone 10pm. My teenage daughter (17) was helping me with childcare (my son was going to school the days I was working but the school day is significantly shorter now due to no wrap around provision, thus meaning she has to manage him for much longer than normal), she’s had enough of his behaviour and has gone off to her dads for the Forseable.
I’m beyond exhausted and am both physically and mentally drained. I’ve had two days where he’s gone to school when I’ve had a day off but I’ve used these days to write an essay I’m mid way through doing.
I have nothing left to give and therefore have zero tolerance towards him. His behaviour is awful but I just don’t know where to start.
My eldest child has ASD (doesn’t live with us) although I don’t feel my son does have this.
I just feel broken. I’ve no idea what I’m going to do about childcare now my daughter has had enough. He would normally go to my (elderly) parents at the weekends I’m working and occasional days during the holidays but this obviously hasn’t Been happening due to covid.
I know I’m not alone I guess I just need to vent and also ask if anyone has some parenting tips they may share?
I’m a single parent and he has no involvement with his ‘dad’ so even that isn’t an option.