SAHM burnout - 5mos old and almost 3 yr

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
SAHM burnout - 5mos old and almost 3 yr
2
Wed, 04-21-2004 - 1:36pm
Anyone else think this staying home with 2 kids under 3 is way too hard? I wasn't doing too bad when it was just my DD - I could take her a lot of places & have some time to myself. But now with my DS (who I love dearly, but wasn't planned), I have 0 time to myself, spend all day trying to coordinate naps, diapers, baths, errands & feedings for both of them. AND I'm dealing with the terrible 2s and adjust. to new sibling issues with my DD. AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! Please don't just tell me to be patient and it'll be OK in a couple years - I'm feeling frustrated & depressed now! Do I need prozac?? Anyone have any helpful hints for getting thru this alive - makes me want to go back to work just to escape mommyhood for a few hours a day! I want a nanny AND a cleaning service!

HELP!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-26-2003
Wed, 04-21-2004 - 4:14pm
I can relate. I have a 4 month old daughter and a 20.5 month old daughter. The older dd also seems to be going through her terrible 2s early. She is also into everything! Recently, I was afraid I was pregnant again so I have to admit I am relieved that I only have 2 under the age of 2. The pregnancy scare made me grateful to have only 2 so young. I couldn't imagine having a 2.5 year old, a one year old and a newborn though I am sure many people have done it and survived. My only advice would be to take your oldest to preschool once in awhile. My oldest dd goes once a week for 2 hours. It is for 2 year olds, but they said she could come. It helps a little bit. As far as housework goes don't be so hard on yourself. Also, know you are not alone. If you ever need to vent I am here to listen.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-11-2003
Thu, 04-22-2004 - 7:55am
Big hugs to you! I don't have any advice, I just wanted to let you know I am in the same boat. I have a 3 month old girl and my son will be 2 in a couple of weeks. Whew, is he ever going thru terrible 2's. I can't afford to send him to day care, but there are times where I would love to go get a job, even if it just covered the expense of daycare, just to get out of the house and away from him!! It sounds terrible, but there are days where I just don't even want to be near him.

My mom says to just try and pay more attention to him when the baby is asleep. It's hard to do that unless it's first thing in the morning because by the time the baby is on her afternoon nap, my sonhas frustrated me sooo much!! It's a vicious circle, they want more attention, so they act obnoxious, and we pay less attention to them because they are so obnoxious! I guess maybe try to kill him with attention when your baby is asleep, and maybe he won't be so "on". It's worth a try.

Sorry I wasn't more help.

Shanonn