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Absolutely exhausted ended up shouting at my kids

6 replies

janeausten1775 · 11/07/2024 17:05

I'm writing to see if anyone has any advice about how to manage anger. Today my children drove me up the wall and I ended up shouting at them, which I absolutely hate. For context, I had them 19 months apart and they are now 8 months and almost 2 and a half. The toddler is a very high energy demanding boy. The baby is mostly lovely but has been an awful sleeper since birth. I had the worse pregnancy with her, bad hemorrhage after birth, and a frankly sh*it postpartum (birth PTSD, no energy, feeling depressed). Baby didn't sleep AT ALL the first 3 months of her life and has now got a bit better but not really good enough to be able to catch up on a whole year of exhaustion. It just feels like my body has given up. Then today she went on a nursing strike and made herself so thirsty that she started screaming, while I was trying to change my son who had done an atomic poo. I ended up having to take both kids (toddler screaming as well at this point) into the shower as the poo couldn't be wiped away) and they just kept screaming at me. My ears were ringing so much I literally couldn't take it anymore. I ended up screaming back, my neighbour heard me and asked me if I needed help through the window. I've never been more mortified or more guilty for lashing out at the kids. I don't need pity or to be told off (I know what I did is wrong), but if anyone has advice on managing anger as a parent I would appreciate it. I'm at my wits' end.
(For those wondering yes my husband helps but obviously he can't while at work and I have the baby full time at home and will continue to until she turns two. My toddler is in nursery part time but at home with me the rest of the time. In-laws and mother helped a lot at first but now much less).
Sorry for the rant. I didn't know where else to turn to be honest.

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
TwixOwl · 11/07/2024 17:22

Have you tried loop earplugs? I was the same, I am very sensitive to certain noises and it triggers an overwhelming reaction. They may take the edge off the noise.

Devilsmommy · 11/07/2024 17:32

Put them somewhere safe and take a 5 minute breather. You're not the first and definitely won't be the last. Don't beat yourself up 😊

Flyrightby · 11/07/2024 18:07

I yelled at my 3.5 year old today. I haven't slept properly in 2 months and I'm due on. He ignored me to hold my hand and ran straight into a car park, full pelt. I went nuts for about 30 seconds and he was distraught. It felt good in the moment but horrendous for the rest of the day. I did take a breath, kneel down and we had a huge hug, both said sorry and talked it over briefly.

He's normally pretty good, if very high energy. I felt like such a shot mum. Solidarity to you, it sounds like you're trying your best in very trying circumstances.

No advice as most of us do this occasionally. If its all the time or a lot, maybe seek advice and support?

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janeausten1775 · 11/07/2024 18:51

It's definitely not all the time or even a lot. But it has happened a few times since I had DC2 and it's definitely because I'm overwhelmed and haven't been able to recover properly from childbirth.

I'm sorry to hear about your kid being challenging today. I think apologising like you did is key. I did the same with my toddler today. My parents never apologised for yelling at me or to each other during fights, and it really messed up with me. I never want to deprive my kids of an apology when they deserve it.

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MexicanDrinkingWorm · 11/07/2024 18:57

You sound like me a couple of months ago. Hope you’re ok, it’s bloody hard. It will pass.
practical tips, when the weathers better, get your eldest in the garden. When it’s rubbish, TV when you need a breather. Don’t feel bad about it.
my eldest watched sooo much when his sister was napping, it allowed me time to re-group and calm down.
other practical tips people told me, distraction for the eldest when he’s playing up. And also deep breath, hold for 5, breathe out.
Physically taking a step back helps distance yourself from the stress and calm down, and jumping up and down and shaking your arms/hands is good to get anger out. Put some music on and make it a silly dance with your toddler.

janeausten1775 · 11/07/2024 19:07

MexicanDrinkingWorm · 11/07/2024 18:57

You sound like me a couple of months ago. Hope you’re ok, it’s bloody hard. It will pass.
practical tips, when the weathers better, get your eldest in the garden. When it’s rubbish, TV when you need a breather. Don’t feel bad about it.
my eldest watched sooo much when his sister was napping, it allowed me time to re-group and calm down.
other practical tips people told me, distraction for the eldest when he’s playing up. And also deep breath, hold for 5, breathe out.
Physically taking a step back helps distance yourself from the stress and calm down, and jumping up and down and shaking your arms/hands is good to get anger out. Put some music on and make it a silly dance with your toddler.

This really helps, thank you for sharing!!

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