Really burnt out...trying not to lose it!

[mrs.t]

I am currently working full time and I have an almost 3 year old. I was home with him for 2 years, and while there are times when I love being back at work (it helps that I really love my job) I don't know if I can handle how tired I am and how needy he is. My biggest problem is that I get absolutely zero time to myself. He wakes up when I do, I end up falling asleep with him at night, and when I get home from work he will not leave my side. Then I feel guilty for losing my patience with him when I do.

What does everyone do to stay sane? I feel like I want to spend all of my at home time doing family things, but I don't know how to steal some time for myself!

[tracyamber]

someone please give this mama some advice?

im a sahm and it's hard enough finding those alone times. *sigh* can you get someone to come over and play with your child for maybe an hour while you are there but can focus on yourself a bit? how about a play date?

[mrs.t]

I was considering having my nephew come over once a week to play, since he's 12 he can entertain my son and I don't have to entertain him! Sort of like a mother's helper...I have to ask my sister in law.

[34me]

If your nephew could come over a few days a week (or even once a week) that would be great.  Little boys love "big" boys.  At least both mine did; now it's funny because they are the big boys.  I can't tell you how to make it better because at this age it takes a while to get better.  Now that mine are teens and aren't so needy I am just starting (the last couple years) to be able to pursue my own interests again.  I am still ALWAYS tired.

[One_Girl]

I drop my dd off about fifteen minutes early, and read or listen to music before my shift starts. When dd was younger I found that sitting with her for a while and letting her lead the play or conversation helped her not cling to me whenever I moved at home. Taking a half or full day a few times a year for myself also helps. I go to a movie or just stay home and relax.

[Quinalla]

Getting your nephew to help sounds like a great idea!

Do you have any friends you could trade babysitting with? Can you hire a sitter occasionally? Get together with another Mom & kid that age for a playdate so you can get a break from the clinging?

I also agree with dropping him off at daycare a bit early at least sometimes to get a few minutes of me-time. As far as always falling asleep with him, how late is he going to bed? Can you try and move his bedtime a bit earlier? Or can you find a way to wake up earlier without waking him? I really cherish my time in the morning that I usually get before DH or DD wakes, even if I'm not really doing anything that exciting.