When you are around young children every day all day, how do you NOT have a mental break down?

Question

9 year old and about to go crazy.

Answer 1

They sure can drive you bonkers. I had three pretty close together, and could never get them to take their naps at the same time. Believe me, though, these times pass so quickly, soon they will be going off to school, growing up, and you'll miss these earlier years.

In the meantime, try to get a break for yourself. Sometimes libraries have programs for young children, where someone tells them stories, and you can wander off into the grown-up sections of the library.

I've been fortunate to have neighbors I could trade off with. Watch their kids for a while and then they watch mine.  

Answer 2

Because I enjoy them.  Because I like to watch them learn and explore.  Because I feel a sense of accomplishment in my ability to take  care of and love and nurture them all day.  Because seeing their sweet little faces reminds me of the greater good I serve by providing them with love and care.

And oh yeah, because I take a coffee break at nap time!

Answer 3

walk  away lol i know what you mean my little sister and my son ha ha sister thinks she is a dog and asks the SAME ? over and over and over again and you can answer as many times it dont work and hunter well hes easy for now !!!!good luck send him or her to a friends house lol

Answer 4

Find some calm activities to do with the child. Reading, drawing, watching t.v. Find a way for quiet time. Also by nine years old they should be able to so somethings independently. They will feel grown-up and you will have a few moments to breathe. If all else fails put him/her in sports or give them some outside chores..wear them out so they will go to bed.  

Answer 5

Stop looking at it as such a chore and irritation. Get involved, enjoy the fun on a kid level. Create things to do, keep them occupied, get involved, routine and schedule. Compartmentalizing. Enforcing rules. Learn to enjoy them, they are little people and little people are so amazing, funny, silly, fun, special, and rely on you.  

Answer 6

well you need proper breaks .. but to be honest the trick is to act like them .. go with the flow ... go crazy but be safe .. act like a child they will love you for it  

Answer 7

I have a 7, 4, and 2 year old and one on the way. I am a stay at home mom and yes you can have enough sometimes but not always. Is it the way your child behaves or just everything in general that you can't handle? There are things you can always do to make it better and not stress out. Tell us what is going on maybe we can give some advice.

Answer 8

I have an 18 month old and totally know what you mean but really there's nothing you can do but try and get time for yourself. Try to get someone that you trust to spend some time with your child and do something you think is fun and with people or family you have a good time with.

Answer 9

Shove a dvd on, plonk your kid in front of it and go take a relaxing bubble bath!!!

Or you could take him/her out to the local park/movie theater and have a good zone out time.

Good luck!  

Answer 10

Oh I do have mental break downs...I learned you need to allow yourself "me" time.  Try to take about an hour a day for yourself...even if it is after they have gone to bed...it's the only way I am able to make it through the rough time with kids

Answer 11

i know what you mean, i have had many foster children over 5 years and we are adopting 4 of them. this summer was crazy, day in day out. i think that is normal to break sometimes, we all do its a part of life, however you have to deal with kids on a day to day basis. it is never ending, but its not all bad. try to find the cause of the craziness. if say its that darn loud toy that drives you nuts get rid of that toy. if its toothpaste thats all over the bathroom, put the paste on for him. everything from small to big deal with each one. assess your child too, i have a boy who was off the hook all day everyday. and screamed, kicked drove me to the point of no return. however he had ADD and now with the meds he is better. when i blood starts to boil, walk away, you and him take a time out. come back when you are both calm. grab his bike and go for a ride or walk. i would after lunch put a movie on and go in my room and rest or what ever. we all need a break everyday. dont feel you have to be sane all the time cuz that is not reality, and if someone thinks you should be and parenting is all wonderful they are liars. try to focus on the good and lots of love and praise and what a blessing they are. and the days your head spins chances are someone else is right along with ya

Answer 12

Just get on with your job!

You get a break when they are in bed.

Answer 13

are they your children?? if not you could quit your day job...or if you want to you could take a breather, or get out of the house and do something with the child.

Answer 14

I am with a 9 year old and a 1 year old all day and love every moment, why?

I'm the grandmother. :-)