Exhausting Child

[LG123]

I'm a lone parent, please don't ask about my children's fathers - not around and that's the end of it. Don't want to be berated for my poor choice in men. I was diagnosed with PND the other week so that will be making it worse but;

My 5yo is too much, my 6mo has his little challenges but is far easier than my eldest. She doesn't SHUT UP and is constantly talking - excessively. No words for the amount of energy she has, she doesn't have an off button, when I send her to bed she doesn't sleep and will often refuse to go - good sleeper as a baby but since 9mo old she's been terrible. Friends and family have noted how bouncy she is and how much she talks, I'll ask friends to meet and if I have the kids they'll say I don't have energy for little lady today (just baby, no problem). She just exhausts me, it's like sensory overload by the time we're in from the school run that's it I'm ready for bed!

When I do get a break I get judged and berated by most people I know and I'm just burning the candle and both ends - no idea what I'll be like post maternity leave!

Sorry if I'm rambling but I'm half asleep all the time, she's just so intense and I don't know what to do. I honestly never thought I'd say I wish I never had children.

I think a big part of this is your PND. Has the GP given you anything to help? It can take meds a bit of time to help so if they have you might need to give them a chance to work. In the meantime I'd try to get out as much as possible - personally I find the constant energy easier to deal with in the park or woods as well as they can actually burn some energy off and be more settled at home.

She’s probably talking so much to try and get your attention and connect with you. Extremely hard with a baby and when you’ve got PND though. Do you have support around you? As someone else asked, have you been prescribed any medication or talking therapy to help? As I suspect it would really be a positive if you could get some time to yourself to feel a bit better, and in the light of your love, she may calm down.

Also I have a 5yo who started going to bed by himself with a ‘Yoto’ audio player thingy. I do recommend it. I really feel for you, this is a hard time under any circumstances, I am sure it will get easier as they get older. Do whatever you can to look after yourself.

PND abd being a single parent sounds really tough

If you can, try talking to PANDAS Foundation. They may be able to offer some practical advice or just listen to you.

What time does your DD usually get to sleep and does she wake up naturally in the morning?