Why do I find parenting so hard?

[Oreo04]

I have a 5yo DS and a 22mth DD, they are fairly good kids I wouldn't say they were particularly naughty but they have their moments like any other child.
My DD is obviously sassy and more work than the first born son ever was but that's to be expected apparently!

I just find it all so hard, I ALWAYS feel like I need a break and I just don't get why.
I don't feel like I'm a bad mum inparticularly, DS is in school and DD goes to nursery 3 days a week but even then, I feel so overwhelmed all the time.

I was diagnosed with PND after DS was born and have had my prescription increased since lockdown and I'm wondering whether they may need increasing again? I don't feel like a bad mum but I do feel like a weak human being, why can't I do it?? Why does it feel so overwhelming and hard? It's like a constant battle to get up every day and all I can think about is getting back into bed because that's like my safe place.

When I first started on my medication I felt great, I got up and did my hair and put make up on, managed the housework and the kids it was great but it didn't last long and I'm also worried that am I just comparing every day to that? Am I chasing that 'high'??

Someone please help me, if this rant makes sense to anyone, please help me.

Definitely sounds like you should make another appointment with your GP.

What did you do before kids? It’s not unreasonable to prefer to work than be a sahp

Parenting is hard and full on!

Often if you crave a break the DC sense it and are actually more demanding, it then becomes a viscous circle.

How much does your DP do with the DC so you get down time from them even if it means your the one cooking etc?

DH used to come home take over the kids and I used to shut myself in the kitchen to make dinner in blissful silence!

Do you have support?

You did not mention a partner/kids' dad.

If you're in a relationship: How much does your partner carry the load?

If you're separated: How much contact do your kids have with their dad(s)?

Do you have parents/other family members who live nearby?

Friends with similar aged kids?

Thank you all, I will make an appointment with my GP to discuss more.

I split with my husband in March, we divorced in October and unfortunately due to Covid and other issues he hasn't managed to find anywhere else to live so he is still here which is an added pressure.

He does help with the kids and I do get breaks but it just never seems enough. Mothers Day I spent the whole day in bed and then by the Tuesday I feel like I need a break again and the kids weren't even here on Monday!

Thanks everyone

Because it is fucking hard and relentless especially in the preschool years.

It does sound like it’s worth speaking to your GP.

[quote Oreo04]Thank you all, I will make an appointment with my GP to discuss more.

I split with my husband in March, we divorced in October and unfortunately due to Covid and other issues he hasn't managed to find anywhere else to live so he is still here which is an added pressure.

He does help with the kids and I do get breaks but it just never seems enough. Mothers Day I spent the whole day in bed and then by the Tuesday I feel like I need a break again and the kids weren't even here on Monday!

Thanks everyone

Oh goodness that sounds like an incredibly stressful situation, on top of normal parenting worries AND a pandemic as well.

No wonder you are finding things hard - I wouldn't underestimate the impact all of that is having on everything else.

I also find it very difficult, often not that enjoyable and I have frequent breaks too.
Pandemics and separation don't help!
If you feel safe in bed and struggle to get up you should speak to your gp and get help. Maybe some counselling too?
But don't be hard on yourself, what's the point?
Good luck, I hope you feel better soon. You might find you turn a corner when your ex has gone and you can move forward.