i'm at my breaking point

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2006
i'm at my breaking point
1
Wed, 01-10-2007 - 3:47pm

hi everyone.

i'm new to this board. actually, i lurk from time to time to see if anyone is in the same boat as me. of course, someone is bound to be.... my issues aren't that odd.
anyway, here's the scoop about me and my issue of the day/week/month/year, etc....

i have a 2 1/2 (april 1, 2002) dd. she is normally a fun loving, happy little girl. until march, i was a full time employee, working (mostly happily) at for a major dept store company as an apparel "designer." anyway, i got laid off, and decided to stay home to take care of my dd, as well as any future children that my dh and i would have--it was what i wanted to do ever since i found out i was pg with her.

anyway, so... for the most part i am very happy to stay home. i LOVE my daughter and would do anything for her, but until recently, she's been driving me up a wall. she doesn't understand consequences, won't take no for an answer and any time i start laying down the rules, she acts very indignant with me (as indignant as a 2 1/2 yr old can act). also, she's beginning to give up her naps (ugghhhh), and since we moved to our new house, will spend little or no time by herself. i'm soooo tired of this behaviour, and am at my breaking point. at times, i find myself wishing that i could go back to work (either part or full time), but with a 2nd baby on the way, daycare costs would exceed any income that dh and i could bring in.

so, i guess... here's my question... what do you all do to keep a level head, keep from going berserk on your kids, crying, screaming and altogether losing it? i feel a definite identity crisis going on right now... i was so used to being me (an employee and individul adult by day, and a mom by night) and now, i'm just "mommy," (24-7) which is great on most days, but on bad days, it almost breaks me. what can i do?

anyhow... any advice that you can give me would be much appreciated.

olivia

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-14-2005
Wed, 01-10-2007 - 4:14pm

(((((((Olivia)))))))))

First of all welcome out of lurkdom! Secondly, yes that sounds like a typical two year old. I'm sure you being pg probably doesn't help either. I think a lot of women here can relate to what you are feeling.
A key thing about being a SAHM is to not isolate yourself. You need support from other moms who you can relate to. Have you looked into moms groups in your area? Also, with a new baby coming, you might think about mother's day out programs for your toddler so that you can have some bonding time.
Remember that kids are smarter than we give them credit for... she is probably acting out b/c she senses a change about to happen. Both my girls did that when I was pg. Make sure you include her in preparations for the baby... let her pick out clothes and toys, and let her "talk to" and kiss the baby.
You might also check out this article: http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/newborn/siblings.html
I hope you stick around and become a regular member here! These ladies are fantastic for support.

(((HUGS)))

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


Photobucket - Video and Image HostingPhotobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting