saying 'hi'

[Unoppressed MAMA Q]

it JUST occurred to me that i say 'i love you' to my kids all the time, but in reality, i'm entirely too irritable in our lives lately.
i've never really been on this forum before, but i need help! my kids are 2 and 3, and it's so trying emotionally right now that i've found myself way too washed up and i need to come chat and be reminded of what my goals really are. they are NOT the dishes, clean floor, they are my kiddos feelings, and reading here has reminded me of how off track i am right now.
so hello, i'm going to be visiting, and learning a LOT from you all, and hopefully sharing some wisdom as well.

[OTMomma]

Hi. I just wanted to suggest something non-parenting exactly. The ages of 2 and 3 are both hard, and since I only have one child I can't imagine what its like to go through those both at once! And I wanted to suggest to you that you get a hobby or something for yourself that you do away from the kids. Once a week, go to a bookstore alone and read, take a Knitting class, yoga class or whatever floats your boat, but give yourself some time to recharge- you can't be a great mom if you don't have the reserves inside yourself.

Then I suggest you find some things that seem really fun to you, to do with the kids. Try to just find ways to really enjoy your kids. Laugh when they laugh- because it is funny when my 3 year old thinks its just like snow when she throws rice in the air and all over the place. And we can clean it up together afterwards. Everytime I get the chance to pull my hair out or laugh, I try to laugh, because research says that laughing will result in me living longer- so I'll get to give my grandchild a 20 lb bag of rice to play with someday. :lol

[Piglet68]

Just wanted to say HELLO and glad you are here. I cannot imagine what it must be like to have two so close in age. These are tough years for all of you. ITA with OTMomma that a bit of time carved out for yourself can do wonders.

[Unoppressed MAMA Q]

i think it's especially weird for me right now, as i was an only child. i can take all the free time to myself i need, etc, but when 2 (!) people are dealing with 2 different situations at the same time, WOW! stress runs most high...
any one else an only who can only relate to one at a time with any true patience?

[johub]

You are well met! There are lots of moms of the 2-3 set here. I have 2 2 year olds and a 3 year old myself so I am right in the trenches withyou.
And it IS hard to stay focused on their feelings and their experiences when so much of the day is just about getting their physical needs taken care of.
Diaper changes, pottying, getting dressed, 3 meals and 2 snacks and all of the assorted needs take up such a huge chunk of time that it does get overwhelming and hard to stay focused.
Joline