18 months - just me or a really difficult age?!

[tryingforbaba]

Let me start this by saying just how much I utterly love and worship my little girl. She's my dream come true...

I am however (and I find it hard to admit this) finding her current phase rather challenging.

The relentlessness of it all. I can't switch off EVER. She wants to touch everything, explore everything. Never wants to be still. Cries because she wants mummy, then daddy, then mummy, then daddy.

I feel like a shell of my former self. I barely recognise myself actually. Im also 11 weeks pregnant which probably doesn't help.

Did you find this age difficult? And when does it get easier?! 😩

Just too add... I'm also trying to work and run my business which is just the most ridiculous juggle.

Other half also own business and is out of the house 90% of day .... however we split all costs 50/50..... not quite sure that's fair.

I just feel so overwhelmed.

I loved this age, but it was incredibly full on. Are you trying to work and look after her? Or is she in childcare?

Get outside is the best advice! Everything is easier in fresh air, and playgrounds are great for the energy levels they appear to have.

@Merrow yes solid advice x

@Merrow she's currently not at nursery. But soon to be starting for a few mornings a week. X

I agree with @Merrow 18 months is fun as they are more personable but gee oh gee I’m exhausted and my house is a mess…. Can’t take your eyes off them as they are either in something or whinging for no apparent reason

Nursery might be a good idea for her fun and exploration and your sanity… except then they come home tired and grumpy

I love my DD but she exhausts me!!

My least favourite age, relentless!

It's an amazing and really difficult age. I've just put miss Rachel on for my eighteen month old because I just really needed a breather. He's amazing though.

Yes a very difficult age. They’re into everything and you can’t take your eyes off them for a second!

So you are pregnant, have an 18 month old at home with you, run your own business and your other half is away most of the day. That about sums up the issue. You can’t work from home whilst caring for a pre school age child.
Get the finances sorted straight away. The obvious solution is one joint account where all income is paid in and all bills paid out. If you want to each have your own money then you each have a separate account and have the same amount each month paid into those accounts.

Yes, I enjoyed the 18 month stage because I had childcare when I was at work and no financial worries! I would find it awful if trying to work at the same time.

I don't agree with splitting things 50:50. DP and I have a joint account where everything goes and we get the same amount of discretionary spending money each month. This seems fair to me, and I've always been the higher earner.

I have a 20m old and I would say she is easier than a newborn - BUT I work part time and she goes to nursery the days I work and Nan has her the other - I get me time and me and my hubby get us time. Although it's full on we do take time out for us.
Financially he pays for most and I just contribute so what I'm getting from your post is that you are no way getting what I would say is a fair deal at all or by far anytime for YOU
Don't get me wrong some days are harder than others and it is hard but it's bearable and I generally enjoy her and life
It hasn't always been that way - I found it easier within the last few months
Even though we have clingy stages and wants to be with mummy then daddy like you've described but using sign which helps my lo can communicate at this age which I find key when they can tell you what's wrong or what they want
Sending hugs
It does get easier - hang on In there
But from reading your post your hubby needs to do more and you need a break x

I personally adored this age even though it was full on. Give me an 18 month old over a 3 year old who doesn’t nap, is still extremely physical and has a ton of attitude to be honest. Kindly, I don’t think DC get easier until they are at school 5 days a week. It’s just one phase after the next. I think it’s your situation that’s making it more difficult as opposed to your DD.

Hi all. This is my very first post. I am feeling overwhelmed and wanted to share my problem with others to see what they have done. I have a 1 year old who i try my best to parent as right as i can. My mother in law does her all the favours in the worlds even though i told her not to. And she doesn't admit that she does this. So my baby becomes demanding, crying, grumpy. All the things i hate. I talked to her and she agrees with whatever i say but when the doors close she keeps doing whatever she wants. Please help!

@Natty9410 respectfully you need to start your own thread rather than piggybacking on this one. I’m sure if you do that you will get some useful advice.

Oh im sorry i didn't know i posted on your post. Im really sorry. Im new here. Sorry

I didn't like that age. It's neither here nor there developmentally IMO and yes, really relentless. I thought that recently that 12-20 months was pretty tough for me but once DS came closer to 2 yo, it's become much better, his understanding and language have come on so much and he has a wicked personality. He'll be 3 this summer and I love how he surprises me every day. Minus the tantrums and stubbornness which are difficult, this is a really lovely age. I think it's my favourite although I adored the first couple of weeks in the newborn cocoon too.

Plus yeah, you have way too much on. Take a step back and think about it, early pregnancy, a full on toddler, a job and a business? My life is busy so I get the juggle, but that's quite a lot to have on your plate right now and it's stressing you out, so this isn't working for you.