What age is the hardest

[stressingmum]

Really struggling with my 21 month DS he isn't talking yet lots of babbling but everything is just a battle.

So I'm wondering what age I should expect it too get a bit easier?

He doesn't appear to understand any instructions but I'm actually thinking it's more a case of he doesn't want to understand - very stubborn.

2.5 was my hardest… stubborn/tired but wouldn’t nap/couldn’t reason with them/biter/hair puller

Have you considered you and dc learning a few signs? Did a short course with dd 5 months and dd 20 months picked it up so quick!! They had a lot ess tantrums than my older dc had....

The newborn stage was hard (for me) but my son is 3 now and the tantrums and constant “what?” And “why?” Questions are driving me up the fucking wall. I’m struggling.

Age 5,my youngest is really hard work and seems to be getting worse.

Teenage years the hardest by a mile. Easiest the primary school years.

12 going on 30 seems particularly challenging at the moment!

Really struggling with a 13 year old at the moment. I think every age has its challenges.

2.5 is hardest

I am loving the teenage years actually

Currently have a 3 year and 8 month old, pretty challenging because he answers back all the time!

16 I reckon

But I found my babies were hard work before they hit a milestone / developed a new skill. Talking, walking etc. So your ds might be a bit easier when he can communicate more.

For me; 14-18

Teenagers. Can be a fucking nightmare, then the next day can be your best mate Absolutely love having teens though!

The newborn phase was hell for me but I found 20-23 months tricky for the same reasons as you. Once she could talk more it became easier. At 26 months now she's generally a joy if managed well.

I've struggled massively with my 8 year old for 2 years now. When he was a baby he was an absolute breeze.

My 5 year old is a joy, but was such a hard baby. I feel like she cried non stop for a year.

So in short, it depends on the child.

@SingingSands

Teenagers. Can be a fucking nightmare, then the next day can be your best mate Absolutely love having teens though!

^ this is so true! I can't keep up tbh!

I've got both- teenager and small dc. I definitely find the tedious relentless small child parenting much harder than the older kids who give me space. For me, 3.5 was a turning point away from the really tough toddler stage.

15 years

I found teenage years to be the hardest. They’re navigating and being exposed to very adult things then. You can’t protect them. You can’t make everything better.

Ok to be more accurate

Little ones exhaust you and mental drain
But teens. The worry!!!!!!! Other wise teens are ok but I worry far more now than I ever did before

So far, 15 has been the most challenging. The stakes are higher as they start to spread their wings and assert their independence.

Lack of sleep when they were babies was tough. Toddler years - just pick your battles wisely!

0-4 is tough
4-10 is lovely. Make the most of this stage
11 tough again

I know it will get harder again but I think with my 27 month old it’s getting easier at the moment. Her language improving has massively helped.

My teens are lovely and objectively we can’t complain but most days are an emotional rollercoaster often well into the evening plus lifts at . The smug “kids in bed at 7 crack open the wine” are sadly behind us…

I think you'll get a million different answers on here and will just end up feeling worse about how things will progress!

I have a not long turned 3 year old, he's at a fun age, but can also be very frustrating too. I found about 33 months a big turning point, DS could make himself understood, could follow very simple directions and could be reasoned with. If he wanted to that particular day of course!

I found the newborn stage brutal as DS was a high needs baby who wouldn't sleep anywhere but our arms for the first 4 months.

Its funny though, all the stages are brutal in their own ways, but remember that no stage lasts forever!

Also you can’t control stuff. If your 13 year olds friendship group inexplicably turn on her my god you suffer too…