Do you ever just want a day off from being a parent?

Question

I love my 2 kids dearly but I never get a break. The only time I get is when they are sleeping or ocassionally when my husband watches them while I go out with a friend. I wouldn't trade them for the world, but some days I am ready to pull my hair out. My 4 year-old never stops talking and it's driving me crazy! And my 11 month-old gets into absolutely everything. I can't turn my back for one second. My first child was not like this and I'm finding it very hard to adjust to. With my first, I could leave all of my breakable stuff out and he wouldn't touch a thing. This one, I have everything put away and he still finds things to put in his mouth. He's constantly choking on something and then ends up puking. I spend my life cleaning up puke and doing laundry. My house is extremely clean but it doesn't even matter. He can get out of the straps on the highchair and stands up in it. I can't keep him sitting long enough to finish a meal. I have to restrain him in order to change him. Help!

Answer 1

omg i know how you feel and i only have a 10 month old.

i really dont get a break by myself. my husband hardly ever watchs him so it sucks. and the diaper thing is terrible. they crawl off before you even finish wiping their butt.

but yes i do just want a day off. a whole day to do something by myself thats not much to ask especially since im home with him all day and night taking care of him by myself.

Answer 2

I feel your pain sister!! I have two little ones too, and somedays I think I can't possibly take any more. The fighting, screaming, cleaning up, etc......  That's when I have to step back, go in a room by myself, just for a few minutes, and get myself together. Every mom needs a break sometimes. It's really hard for men to understand, and sometimes I feel like it's not even worth taking my time to try to explain it to my husband.  If it's only once a week, try to find a babysitter,  and go out alone. Even if it's only to the grocery store, take a few hours for your self. Go get your hair and nails done. At night after the kids are asleep, wear something s**y for your husband, or even yourself. Just don't let your self become so absorbed with your parental responsibility that you forget about you. At the end of the day, no matter how hectic it's been, go take a peek at them while they are sleeping, and you will know that it is all worth it.

Answer 3

I feel your pain, sometimes I wish my family would just say-well take the kids for the day so you can-sit down or clean your house or got out for a drink-that you deserve or anything you want, but they don't. My parents are retired and not old, my sister only works part time during the summer.

If people who work out of the home get the weekends off-why cant we have 1 day a Month to ourselves? It is such a thankless job!

Maybe try hiring a mothers helper to come once or twice a week, maybe at least you could sit for a few and actually eat some food that is not pb&j or Mac and cheese-lol

Answer 4

I deal with the same set of problems. 6 yr. old girl and 14 month old boy. Nanny 911 would really be helpful. This is one of the ruffest parts of life you will ever have to face. Good Luck

Answer 5

Awww bless you, I feel the same and i only have 1!

She is 8 months and going through very bad seperation axiety, I cant even move near the door without her screaming, Bed times are a nightmare, I dont ever get a break because she just screams & screams for who ever is looking after her, What i would do for a little time on my own, Just to get my head straight & relax! I wouldnt swap her for anything, But it would be nice just to chill out for a day.

Answer 6

Strangely sometimes I wish I could stay home from work and be a mom for a day.  I don't have kids of my own yet, but sometimes I think my babysitting days were easier than dealing with adults!

Answer 7

LOL, I feel your Pain....

I would LOVE a day Off!!!  

Give it time, it will come. Maybe get your mom, or someone you would trust to watch your kids, so you can have a break...

Maybe a weekend away, tell your husband that He's staying with the kids this weekend (Or whenever he's off) & go to a girlfriends house to get away. Or plan a lil weekend trip.

Answer 8

YES, YES, YES!!!  I have a 5-year-old and a 2-year old.  I also work full-time teaching at a local university.  Due to my teaching schedule, I am also able to homeschool my 5-year-old.  At the end of the semester, I actually came home and told my husband that I want a break from my life - just for a day.  Between him, the kids, work, my parents, and housework, it was all too overwhelming.  A month later for my birthday, my husband bought me a gift certificate to a hotel and spa a couple of hours away.  I'm hoping to go within the next couple of weeks before my semester starts up again.

Answer 9

that's normal for being a parent. I have 4 children dd(dear daughter)  ds(dear son)    these are the ages:

dd=9

ds=7 1/2

ds=4

ds=3 weeks & 3 days old

So yes i have those days as well.  Especially since my 7 yroldson & my 4 yr old son battle it out daily over daddies PS2 & games , or my 4 yr old wants to wrestle my daughter & 7 yr old son when they do not want to play. On top of that with a newborn whom wants mommy 24/7 with nursing & my sleep deprivation  & having to get up in the morning to husbands alarm at 4am, yes I want days off as well.I do get breaks once a month when my 3 children go spend the weekend at a friends house whom loves all 3, so my husbnad & I (& now the baby)can spend some time alone & relax.   Each child is different in many ways so don't expect  the same results .One can be an "angel" in  not getting into trouble the otherone can be  "trouble" ( I have one of each)   .

Answer 10

Yes, normal feelings.  I suggest getting your kids into a 'parents day out' program through a church.  Just 9-2 one day week....$100/month (or $150/month for 2 days).  It will be worth it when you feel that 'I miss them' feeling when you go to pick them up.  Worth every penny even if you get nothing done, just go have lunch with a friend or clean house or read a book or sit at home and watch tv.  Whatever is 'you' time.  It gave me sanity as a stay at home mom.  YOu need that 'I miss you' feeling.

Answer 11

my son is the same way . curious george !!!  i wouldnt trade him for the world either , but yes i would love a day off. luckily my soon to be niece loves to baby sit him and is really trust worthy . so when my fiance comes in from the road (crane operator , does alot of traveling) we usually have her come out to watch him , and there are also times i will pay her extra to get up with him in the morning , so mommy can sleep in alittle.  it dont make you a bad parent . we all need our time .

Answer 12

i know your pain.  i actually spent the first 10 months of my son's life cleaning up puke... my son had reflux.

he is now 16 months... and doesn't fall for anything.  if something is blocked off he will find a way to get through.  if something is too high... one of his toys will be a step stool.  i can't turn my back either!

sometimes i do want a day off and my bf is always willing to let me go out and do stuff, it is just when i do have the time... i have no idea what to do with it lol.  i am so used to my routine and doing everything for baby that sometimes i forget about myself.

tonight we might go see a movie without baby... depending on the babysitter (my sis).  sometimes you do need some time alone.

Answer 13

well my son is 8 months and ever since the day he was born i was taking care of him since he was born his father has only been with him for about an hour and a half by hisself so its kinda hard i feel like im by myself i do everything and it just gets hard keep in mind that im only 18...but im trying to get a job and put him in daycare so i can be by myself for a few hours a day maybe you should put thm in daycare if they arent and get a partime job or something good luck

Answer 14

I need about a week off from parenting!!!! Just remember they go through fazes, my daughter was into everything and still is she is very busy and she is 3 now.

Answer 15

i wanted the same thing from being an older sister.

&+ sukinon i just wanted to let you know i admire you for being an at home dad. Most fathers would run at the very thought of it, but you had not. I'm sure your children are very happy of that.

good job at stepping up to the plate.

=]

Answer 16

Get a sitter.

Take 2 days, though.

Don't call them.   Tell the sitter to phone you for emergency only.

Answer 17

oh lord yes i would love to have a day off. my son is 7 now and i have raised him alone since he was 1 month old. He was a good baby but just the responsibility of it all is enough. If I did get a day off I wouldn't know how to act or what to do with myself, I have been mom for so long.

Answer 18

I know it's hard.....these years will pass soooo fast!....(

Your youngest sounds like mine.  He sounds very smart and curious....that's a good thing!!!

I live where I don't have any family to help me and I don't trust anyone with my kids!  

However, my eldest is eight and she helps out a lot. They say keep the siblings close in age......ah! I don't know about that! I would be in your position now!!! LOL

You know what helps me? .... get away for a long bath or a message at least once a week you will feel the tension melt away.  Little breaks here and there can help!

Don't forget about yourself.... you'll be a happier mama!!