Did you ever feel like you were psycho and ruining your kids?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's funny - I have very low self-esteem as a professional, but think I'm the greatest parent in the world
Come PMS time however, my short fuse becomes even shorter, and that is the only time when DH tells me to let up on the kids a little.

So to answer your question, no. Cheer up, OP! Your kids love you even when you're less than perfect.

I'm the opposite. I feel like I do fantastic work at the office, but get me home and in front of the preschoolers and I dissolve into a mess of nerves, sweat and mumbled profanity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, but I do feel quite ill-equipped to raise DD. I was voted most unpopular as a kid. Stuffed in garbage bins, always picked last, no prom date, etc. DD is super popular. I don't know how to be a mother to that kind of child.

Aww....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I felt it when DC was very young but I journaled, joined supportive message boards and read self help books. Everything short of therapy - I tried to get to know myself and love myself so I could be better for myself and subsequently DC. I'm human, I have my moments still, but I'm better. It was a long, slow, consistent process but I'm happy I did it.

What supportive message boards did you find? I've been reading parenting messaging boards for a decade now, on and off, and they pretty much always make me feel worse. I would love some recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys! This is OP and I'm happy to report that the PMS monster has retreated to her red tent and so far this weekend is better. My husband is still Mr Fun Guy while I'm telling kids to clean their rooms, but at least I have felt sane and relatively in control. Hormones are evil!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All the time. Sitting in her psychiatrist's office hearing all the things we do wrong, and admittedly cringing when I agree. I feel like I have not helped her become self reliant enough, not been patient enough, focused on work too much and given her bad adhd genes. But then I am at least getting her some therapy. My parents never did because then someone would know and that would be uncomfortable.

Kudos to you for getting her into therapy. Have you done any therapy yourself - you might find that helpful as you go through the process?