Completely burnt out parenting toddler and baby

[SaturatedParent]

I have 2 children under 4. I feel so unbelievably burnt out. The eldest (3) is a very demanding child. Won’t do anything for himself, won’t play by himself at all and tantrums at the drop of a hat. The baby is lovely but doesn’t sleep. I’m on maternity leave and I’m just so physically and mentally exhausted. My husband works full time and is great at doing stuff in the house (cooking, cleaning, fixing, washing etc) but I am absolutely the primary parent and my husband is happy to keep it this way. I have cried every day over Easter. We are away with my family in law - lots of kids and pets. They are lovely people but I am just so overwhelmed by the noise and stimulation and the realisation of how demanding my eldest is.

Eldest goes to pre school 9-3, 3 days per week. I wish I could put them both in childcare for more but, stupidly, the guilt eats me up. They didn’t ask for this. The baby is extremely clingy to me and eldest hates going. Both will need to go/go more come August and I know it’ll be very traumatic.

Would antidepressants help this? How do I get a proper break? I’m due to go back to work in 4 months and I think I’m going to crack under the pressure.

It’s very tough with 2 under 3. Could you try and see it as you may need to up the hours for your eldest to save your mental health rather than viewing it as feeling guilty. It’s hard as you said he hates going but you need to try and find a balance and those days you can possibly nap with baby and catch up on the sleep you’re missing at night. You might find that with the consistent routine every day he becomes more manageable for those times he’s at home.