Attention-seeking husband and needy children are draining my energy!

[TheFollowed]

How do you get any mental space during the summer hols? I am a teacher. I have a clingy toddler, a chatterbox 5 year old and a husband who never stops asking bloody questions and they all spend their days following me around the house.

I think, let's get out of the house. But it takes forever, because as I'm trying to think about what we need, everyone wants me and my attention. I can't even bring myself to look at DH (who is on leave in between jobs) as he just wants my attention all the time.

Even trying to get just myself out of the house is problematic. I met a friend for lunch yesterday and as I was packing my handbag, checking my hair make-up etc in the mirror, he is showing me Boris Johnson Memes on his phone, the 5 year old has a stammer and is trying to get her words out to speak to me about a picture she's done (I'm supposed to give my FULL attention when she speaks to reduce the stammering) and the 2 year old is tantruming for his dummy.

I drove to meet my friend in tears. I feel like a sponge,here to soak up everyone else and when the opportunity comes for me to get out and do something for me, I just want to hide under a duvet rocking back and forth!

I have found I can put the 5 year old infront of the TV, the 2 year old I can usually pacify for 20 minutes with a toy... but DH? Pffft... he's a different story.

What can I do before I have a mental breakdown?!

And when they're not being noisy, they're all following me around or DH is walking infront of me at a glacial pace.

Give me some survival tips please? There are still 5 very long weeks to go...

That sounds absolutely draining!! If your husband is around take some time every day for yourself leave him in charge!! Could you go for a walk, a swim, even the supermarket shopping would give you a break!

I would also be firm with husband about what you expect, he’s an adult and should be contributing and supporting not be another child for you to look after. Be firm tell him you need a periods of silence to recharge. Perhaps build in some activity times especially with 5 year old where they are your centre of attention? Hubby sounds the worst though!

Good luck!

Lists op. You need lists.
Dh is a sahp and every week he gets a list!! Outdoor tasks are the best ones!! He is currently replacing our decking!! Lots of waves out the window, the odd cuppa and lots of peace!
The week end is xbox time for dc so apart from games enthusiasm(shouting!) they are out of my hair today!

Can you get a big pair of headphones and educate everyone that when Mummy has them on she is on her holiday and is not to be disturbed?

I was JUST dozing off on a sun lounger when dh got home the other day and to be polite i kind of half waved but so didn’t want to chat. He thought i was ignoring him and was off with me for ages.

God. I have a 5yo with a speech disorder and a LOUD 2yo, that's hard enough, but it's your needy adult sized toddler that would do for me. He needs a bloody job, any job.

Can you get your husband to take the kids out for the day? Enjoy the peace!

You've answered your own question. Your DH is on leave between jobs.

You need to take yourself off somewhere for a couple of days, and spend time completely on your own.

Looking on the bright side, you did get to go out with your friend for some time out whilst DH was at home with the DC.

A solo day trip abroad? A teacher's training weekend away?
Buy them a boardgame that they have to play together whilst u hide in the shed?

Well your DH is an adult and you can at least tell him not to talk at you when you need down time.

If he’s on leave he can take the lion’s share of childcare at the mo?

You’re clearly stressed but your descriptions of your family are harsh. Would you prefer they ignored you ? Do you really want to tell the children they can’t talk to you ? Think how that will make the children feel.