Struggling lately-parenting is a slog-when will we turn the corner?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This all makes me sad. No one on here sounds like they enjoy their kids.

I think it just depends on stress, personalities involved, etc. It is tiring if you don't get a break even if you adore them.

There are also a fair number of people who have babies because their spouse (or their parents/ILs) want them and they feel like it is expected/demanded of them. They don't actually want them.

It really sounds like the SO is slacking here. I'm sorry OP.

I don’t really think this is fair. I love my kids but I’m not a fan of every age. My DH loves little newborns. I love early elementary. 2-3 yr olds are just freaking tough.

Same. Plus, the expectation that everyone will "enjoy their kids" all the time is exhausting and unfair.

I have four kids and I can tell you I despise 18mos to 4yrs old. That’s just the straight forward answer, not every stage is going to be your strength. Irrational demanding toddlers are tough. It’s physically exhausting. My 13yrnold now is mentally taxing, but that’s more the rarity.

When you have an independent reader, that’s a game changer.

I’m sorry OP. This is exactly why they say days are long, years short. It’s so true

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m struggling with parenting my 2 kids, ages 5 and 2.5. The 2.5 yo has special needs and takes medication that causes tantrums/meltdowns.

I work full time and have a full time nanny. I really enjoy my job.

I don’t know what’s going on lately but I’m just so worn down. This age combination is killing me. It’s Friday afternoon and I’m dreading the weekend. I hate weekends and love Monday mornings when the nanny takes over.

I’m not looking for tips, but maybe predictions? When will we turn the corner?

My 5 yo is actually delightful and not too hard. The 2.5 year old is very hard, and the two of them together is downright excruciating.

My DH is only moderately helpful. He’s very checked out. Please don’t try to give advice on how to change him-it isn’t possible. It is what it is. I’ve had periods like this before but never ones that have lasted so long.

Will 3 and 5 be better? 4 and 6? What’s the longest rut you’ve been in-where it all felt like a slog? How did you pull yourself out?

I’m on antidepressants and have a therapist.

You have a child with special needs. We can't predict when that child's behavior will get better.

I know you're not looking for advice, but I'm going to give you some anyway.

Look into weekend help. Split and conquer with the weekend nanny/sitter. Spend some 1-1 time with your 5yo, enjoy it. Spend some time with your 2.5yo, until you need a break. Have the nanny there with you when you have both together, and either tag out for 5-15 minutes for a break or split them up again. Do what you need to do.