I can't stand being around my kids right now!!

[katarn]

They are 3 and 15 mo. I just got done nursing them both on the couch and I feel like i could scream!!! I need to get away!! they are constantly needing something and I'm constantly taking care of them! I can't get a good night sleep and I feel like chopping someone's head off! I need to get away. I thought writing this down would help but now I'm feeling even more depressed.

[tabrizia]

When I feel like this, and it happens semi frequently with an active 17 month old, I hand him off to DH and either head out somewhere or disapear upstairs where DS won't be coming because DH knows I need a couple of hours of alone time. Then I just do whatever I want, take a long bath, take a nice long nap, go to a bookstore and find a new book and read it there, etc.

Everyone needs a break sometimes and a couple of hours of alone time can be really recharging.

[ChetMC]

Not Alone

You're not alone. I think everybody feels the same way sometimes. It's really overwhelming and draining to look after two small kids so close in age. Our two oldest kids are 16 months apart.

We used to live near family. We had tonnes of free childcare. I got a lot of breaks. Now we're living where we don't know anybody. My only time away from the kids is honestly when I go to the dentist.

Is there somewhere you can take the kids where they will go off and play on their own while you watch, like a playground or an indoor play space? Do you know somebody who could come over and keep your kids company while you have a nap?

Our girls are 3 and 4 now. A lot of days, I give them their lunch outside on the deck while I stay inside and collect myself mentally.

[dogmom327]

I hear you. I finally started taking a pilates class one night a week so I'd have an excuse for DH to take DS. I love staying home with him most of the time but every once in awhile I really need a break.

[Mama Poot]

Yup, that's me. I've got a 3yo who is being evaluated for autism and other issues-he pretty much manages to derail whatever good things happen in the day. Then there's the 2yo who is in that totally irrational stage and freaks out when he can't make the tricycle go through a brick wall and other impossible things. The baby is teething, refusing to poop for whatever reason, and DH actually thinks he can get me "in the mood". :

I'd like to ship them all away to a desert island sometimes.

[bl987ue]

You need to get some time to nurture yourself. You sound like you are running on fumes. You can't fill other's cups when your own is empty--and the sleep deprivation is probably aggravating the problem. Can you arrange for childcare for an afternoon so you can nap or read or do something fun?

[mamabeca]

Totally btdt. I'd be surprised if you could find a mama who hasn't felt this way EVER. If you can, trade off some child care time - maybe you can get into a babysitting coop, or a neighbor/friend/grandparent/spouse can help. Getting regular time to yourself really gives you something to strive for, and I'll be honest, it is sometimes the only thing I look forward to in a day! Hang in there, mama. Don't go chopping, but try to get some exercise or something to help you let out some of that ENERGY.

[BaBaBa]

It's okay.

With an absent DH and no nearby support I feel like that a lot too.

When your stuck with them and there's no way out I find the only way to deal is to just go with the flow.

Drop all your plans for the day and just get down and play.

Easier said than done, eh?
I know.

[emcare]

I couldn't read your post without replying with a btdt. It is so hard, but it does get easier. Sometiimes just knowing that makes it a bit better.

[katarn]

thank you everyone for your replies.. I'm much better now.. I left the kids with dh for an hour that day and that helped a lot and i've been trying to fit in more 'me' time... which is a life saver. thanks for all the replies :