Anonymous wrote:Yes they are op, yes they are... wait a few years then they become mentally exhausting too

This is so spot on. I miss the days when mine physically exhausted me. Run, run from sun up to sun down, museums, hiking, long stroller rides, amusement parks, beach, swimming pool, far flung playgrounds, as long as we stayed busy there were. Dry fee issues and everyone was happy and exhausted at the end of the day, which meant heads but the pillow and out for the night with no fuss.

Now it’s non stop griping, complaining, laundry, shuttling to practices, cajoling to shower and use soap and put on deodorant, clean clothes and underwear. And to put all the dirty towels, underwear, clothes, socks etc. in the hamper, shoe rack closet etc.

Completely mentally exhausting. Oh how I long for those early physically exhausting years!

I knew an ex-pat Aussie mom who had 3 kids around the same age. Her husband worked in equities so he didn't get home until late everyday. She had a babysitter 1x/week and on that day she saw 3 clients as their personal trainer. Somehow she and her husband managed to do the NYC marathon every year they were here. Before they headed back to Australia, they decided to take a deep tour of the American west and they all packed into an RV and drove around all summer.
I think the kids maybe had a hard time keeping up with the parents.
They were totally awesome.

Anonymous wrote:It could also be an introvert/extrovert thing. I am an introvert and I find engaging with my kids around the clock to be exhausting. It's not a physical thing for me. I just need down time from them.

+1. I'm an older mom but it's not physically keeping up with my 4 yo DD that wears me out at all (in fact, I feel healthier than I did before since she keeps me active), it's the nonstop social interaction!

I’m a former pro athlete and personal trainer and my kids still kick my butt. I had easy, no issue pregnancies and births... and then it started to go bad! I got carpel tunnel from carrying my big baby, pulled my back out several times getting him out of the crib, fell down a half flight of outdoor stairs stopping him from falling down the stairs and then gave birth to #2 and stopped sleeping. I was so tired one morning I yanked opened the cabinet door and it hit me in the eyeball which required me to wear a patch for a few weeks. Then my oldest broke his elbow and got in bed with us and broke my nose. I had to drive myself to the hospital, blood all over my T-shirt, so DH could stay with the kids. I’ve been hit in the face with the backs of their heads more times than I can count.

And now it’s running after them (4 and 6) and they never go in the same direction.

Being “in shape” doesn’t mean jack. Being a mother is hard work - like coal miner hard work. Being “Toned” doesn’t help.