OP just because people's problems aren't as bad as being in a war-torn country, it doesn't mean they're not problems. Parenting can be hard. And it can be harder for some people than others, even if the kids are "easier". An anxious parent isn't going to roll with the punches as easily as someone who doesn't suffer from anxiety, for example.

OP congratulations on taking this first step!

If it helps, you could write down a few things on a piece of paper and just hand it to the psychiatrist.

But you have nothing to worry about. They've seen everything.

Anonymous wrote:Op here
My reservations re. Genetic testing were because:
If it’s negative then I wasted my money - I was fine anyways.
If it’s positive then it will give me anxiety - shoot, I have the gene!
Doctors did not really discuss preemptive strategies like surgeries mentioned in this discussion forum - I guess they save it for later when there are testing results….
With feedback above I’m of course reconsidering lots…

OP I hope you were referred to a genetic counselor and will not just get genetic testing. A counselor will examine your family history and make a recommendation about testing. They will answer your questions, address your anxiety etc. And if you are positive, they will help you understand what your options are.

I would strongly encourage you to make an appointment.

Knowledge is power.

Kids' sleep needs change over time. I know some kids at that age who slept 12 hours over night, but mine are both lower sleep needs and 10 hours is what they get no matter what time they go to sleep.

I tried the "sleep window" thing with my now 6 year old, and he would go to bed early and then wake up 10 hours later regardless.

I think maybe 9 to 7 might be a more realistic goal for your daughter.

If you are putting her to bed when she's not tired, she's going to be bored and want company, get up over and over etc.

I would try to start fresh with a new bed time and a new routine. Tell her how it's going to go and stick to it.

I would give her one "pass" (print something cute) for her to use to get out of bed if needed. Once she uses the pass, she's done.

And I would start by doing regular checks so she knows you'll be back in.

She gets a reward if she follows directions, and punishment if she does not.

Consider letting her listen to an audio book or something to entertain her.

We got a bunk at that age. 6 year old on top. 3 year old on the bottom. No problems (yet).

OP you are in crisis right now and you need to take immediate steps to address it. MIL be damned. You cannot keep going like this.

I agree with others that it would be a good idea to check yourself into a mental health facility if you can.

But if you are not amenable to that, my one suggestion would be that you must stop drinking coffee.

Coffee for people with anxiety is.... not good. Start slowly weaning yourself off of it.

The other thing I would suggest is getting at least an hour walk in daily.

I hope you can get help OP. Hang in there.

Anonymous wrote:Thank you both. No imminent danger to others. As for myself, I am day drinking, but it is better than the alternative. Really shitty day. Really hard. But I will be OK.

I'm really sorry OP. Hang in there.

OP I don't think what you're saying is abnormal at all. I read some well-regarded parenting book (I forgot which one though) that basically says no parent should be at home for most of the day with small children.

Over time I have discovered that what works for me is the following:

1) Outside whenever possible. A walk to a neighborhood book house. Geo caching. A playground. A hike. Whatever. Anything outdoors is better than indoors.
2) When we are stuck indoors, I do stuff around the house, and the kids either start entertaining themselves, or they help me. Things like laundry, cooking, etc. If they say they're bored, I can say "Oh great! Come help with dinner" and then either come help, or find something else to do

Example: Last weekend when it was raining, I reorganized a closet and the kids were super entertained by the random crap I found in the closet, while I got my project done.

A friend had a construction-themed party for her son at this age, and put m & ms in little toy dump trucks and it was super cute. It's a cheap thing and it would probably make your 3 yo very happy!

Anonymous wrote:It wasn’t. Just my husband but we didn’t invite her over this week.

If you have some regularly scheduled get togethers that didn't happen this past week, she's probably just wondering what's up.

I would have DH schedule some outdoor stuff with her and the kids, and your absence is written off as needing to do XYZ.

OP, how was this communicated to your MIL?

If something like this happened to me, I would immediately sever all financial ties I had with the person. If he somehow controls this <10K, I would get it back immediately, even if you have to sell it at a loss.

Consider it an expensive lesson in not mixing family and money.

Sorry OP. I would be pretty upset by this.

The flu of 1918 killed about 50% of people. C19 killed about 0.001 of Americans. We beat it!!!

Wut?

Try Salon Familia.

OP again and thanks for the feedback. I'm not very creative so I think I'll just donate.