Feel like an awful mum

[Annon998164]

I feel like such an awful mum tonight, I am a single parent and I have 3 children who don’t sleep very well, the last 3 nights my elsdest (8) has been staying awake till gone 11, last night he was up at 12:30 saying he couldn’t get to sleep, most nights I have to sit in bed with him until he goes to sleep, I’m completely exhausted their dad doesn’t currently have them over night so don’t ever get a night off and tonight, the eldest 2 were really playing up they were in and out of bed till gone 11, when I got in my own bed to go to sleep the elsdest kept saying how I wasn’t been fair not sitting in his bed and I just got really frustrated, I jumped out of my bed, stormed down the hall into his room and sat on the end of his bed with a face like thunder, I accidently sat on his legs and feet (they were under the duvet and I couldn’t see them) he started crying saying I had scared him and hurt his legs, I felt awful I apologised for being so cross and he is fine now and has gone to sleep, but I just feel so awful I don’t normally get that Cross I just feel so overwhelmed and tired, sorry I’m not too sure why Im writing on here I just can’t stop worrying now thinking I’m a terrible mum

Oh lovely your not a terrible mum, you are an exhausted mum dealing with a lot on your own.
I think at 8 years old your child is old enough for you to call a little family meeting with him to discuss the bedtime routine, maybe formulate a little plan together, explain about tiredness and how it can effect you all, and how important good sleep routine is. Explain that you are just one mum and they are 3 people all needing you at the same time, is this possible?
As the oldest child empower him by giving him a little responsibility for helping you. Would he like to change his room around around a bit? Offer incentive. If the other 2 are settled then he can have one to one time with you.
I had 4 children and know how hard it can be, my son was a velcro child but to give you hope he is now a wonderfull teenager.
Be easy on yourself.

Thank you so much for your reply, that’s a good idea I will try and speak to him today, I know I just find it so hard sometimes when they all want my attention all the time and. at the same time then come bed time I’m completely worn out, I just felt so awful for getting so cross and frustrated and losing control, I really don’t want them to grow up thinking they have a grumpy, tired, stressed out mum but I will speak to them today and see how tonight goes 🤞🏾 xxx