Guilty confession- sometimes I really don't like being a parent

[Anonymous]

"I only have one kid, but I think people take the long view when they have a bunch of kids. "

Evidence, please?

[Anonymous]

"I have the added bonus of being in peri-menopause while being a mom to two toddlers, boy 1 1/2 and 3 DD. Sigh, it's getting better with the 3 yr old. "

And the teenage years?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"I only have one kid, but I think people take the long view when they have a bunch of kids. "

Evidence, please?

Are thoughts and opinions on DCUM all supposed to be evidence-based now? How refreshing!

I was making an observation based on my conversations with friends and family with three or more children. My brother has four kids and I've talked to him about it pretty extensively. I believe the phrase "I think" makes it clear I'm not using the scientific method.

[Anonymous]

OP, hang in there. It gets better. Now kick that mommy-guilt out the door. As much as I can't stand Dr. Phil, I have to agree with his question "how's that working for ya?"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel awful- I finally admitted to my husband that I don't always find parenthood rewarding. We have a very ornery 2.5 year old and an 8 month old, long commutes, and neverending housework. I exclusively pump, though only 4 times a day at this point. I have to get up at 4.30 every morning to pump, no matter if it's a weekend or a holiday. The toddler is really jealous of the baby and very clingy with us. We're strategizing on how to make life easier- doing Peapod, hiring a cleaning service, maybe paying for prepared meals, etc.- all stuff I never ever thought I would do.

I love my children and could never say I wouldn't want them, but I often wonder if becoming parents was a bad decision, especially having a second child. I guess we're in a tough period but I don't find parenthood the most rewarding thing I've done, which is what I always hear people say.

Flame away if you must.

Parenthood is beautiful, wonderful, hard, frustrating, the hardest work you'll ever love. There is VERY little reward for you right now, the kids are still in the take take take stage, and it is soul-sucking. If you didn't find it hard, I would wonder what is wrong with you. You are heavily in the weeds, and simply realizing that could give you some consolation. I have read none of the other posts. People are probably telling you it gets better. It does. But for now, be gentle and loving with yourself and your spouse. Forgive yourself some mistakes and missteps, and for heavens sake, no guilt about not drinking the "parenting is bliss" koolaid.

Plan something for yourself, ASAP. Do something you love. That fills your soul. Good luck...you will be okay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"I only have one kid, but I think people take the long view when they have a bunch of kids. "

Evidence, please?

Are thoughts and opinions on DCUM all supposed to be evidence-based now? How refreshing!

I was making an observation based on my conversations with friends and family with three or more children. My brother has four kids and I've talked to him about it pretty extensively. I believe the phrase "I think" makes it clear I'm not using the scientific method.

This reminds me of the judge character that Ana Gasteyer plays on The Good Wife. She requires every lawyer in her courtroom to preface their remarks with "in my opinion . . .." Hilarious.

[Anonymous]

I have an adorable 18 month old who I love like crazy, and I am so glad I had him, and wouldn't trade him for anything. However, I have realized that being the parent of a young child is not for me, and will not be having any more kids - I am going to focus my energy on enjoying the one I have as he gets older and we can do more things together (go to museums, play sports, ride bikes etc).