Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

Lost my own identity within busy motherhood

1 reply

ThatWildHedgehog · 06/08/2026 14:15

I know I’m at risk of coming under some criticism but I’m feeling really vulnerable at the moment so would appreciate people going easy on me.
I have two children - a 1 Yr old and an 8 Yr old- i love them loads, they are happy, smiley & socialable, 8 year old is doing well at school and generally great but I’m struggling to find enjoyment in being a Mum.
I am happily married DH is a brilliant dad, we have a nice life, i work part time. Husband works full time.

But I feel I should enjoy being a Mum, I find it every day hard, my eldest is in the answering back phase & not listening etc which I think is a huge factor in this and I’m not sure what to do? I just feel useless and rubbish as a mum, its the summertime & ive chosen to stay inside with my 1 Yr old because my eldest is out playing with her friends, but I feel like im letting him down by staying inside all day 🙈 ... their age gap is difficult at the moment because its hard to find something that entertains both of them.

im exhausted aswell from a busy week work wise, I just feel like my days off from work are never ever a day off, im always doing something or something needs to be done, ie housework, or an errand. I just feel like im struggling. And I feel guilty for not being the fun happy mum they deserve.

Am I alone in feeling like this?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Devilsmommy · 06/08/2026 18:24

No you're not. I've got an almost 4yo who is awaiting assessment and he can be such hard work that I feel stressed and on edge most of the time. Taking him out seems so hard because he's a runner so I'm constantly on edge waiting for something bad to happen so I prefer just staying in the garden instead. It must be so awkward with such a big age gap. No advice, just wanted you to know that you aren't alone

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread