My 2yr old is winding me up

[Gemzee]

My son age 2yrs 8mths is really stessing me out lately! He is in nursery 2 full days a week & at my parents for nearly a full day so I can't even really blame lockdown.
I just feel so irritated by him, he is being naughty a lot more than normal and waking up earlier than normal (although not ridiculously early). He kicks me when I'm changing his nappy or getting him ready for the bath (not sure if its intentional but he kicks up constantly when lying down on changing mat - for me, not always for his dad).
I think lockdown is just stressing me out though, I'm working from home the last year and I much preferred going to the office, I am likely drinking too much (not every day but too many days) but feel like wine & food provide the only enjoyment in my life at the moment. I'm constantly tired but average 7-8hrs sleep a night (I take iron so doubt I'm anaemic) - I would like to sleep for a year!
My DH is an amazing dad and very supportive - no problems there. I just struggle being a mum, been on the verge of tears this week twice just through normal parenting tasks.
I really love my son, when he's good he's lovely, funny, cute etc! But sometimes he gets on my nerves.
Just had to get that out.

Honestly 2 year olds are a pain. They push every last button, they are beginning to understand the concept of pushing boundaries, they're learning what is OK and what's not OK.

Try to be firm but fair and consistent. Don't sweat the small stuff that is inconvenient but wasn't deliberately naughty, ie tips up a box of spaghetti because he's exploring what happens. It's annoying as hell but grit your teeth and make it a game. Be strict on the stuff that is never ok - kicking, biting, running off, snatching.

Make sure he gets LOADS of exercise and as rough and tumble as possible. It's hard just now without soft plays etc open. Mine love games like me chasing them with a nappy on my head or they try to dodge me throwing soft toys at them, tackling them to the ground over and over, jumping between coffee table and sofa etc. They have so much energy and need to move. Try to incorporate kicking into a game and remind him kicking is only for x game, not for nappy time.

It's hard. Being a parent is really hard. Especially at the moment. Take it one day at a time.

Are you depressed? Might be a good idea to get yourself seen by the GP. Everything you described sounds normal for a child his age. For the kicking try letting him play with a toy while you’re changing him.