I don’t think I regret becoming a parent because I do want family around me but at the same time, if I’m honest I don’t massively enjoy parenting and days when they are at school / preschool are a relief. But it feels like I’ve just connected with ‘me’ again and then I have to stop and get them.
I do try very hard to be a good parent and I give them a range of activities and they are well dressed, eat a good diet, I ensure they have birthday parties and nice christmases but a lot of it feels a bit performative.
Really, I long for peace: for an extended amount of time at home to relax and to be me again. Home is no longer a place where I relax, I am constantly doing things, can I have this / that, I’m up and down and up and down, constantly.
This is a vent, I’m not seeking advice as such. Although interested in others’ experiences of course.