Anyone Else Here Parenting Small Children?

[Panda Bear]

Just curious.

I have three kids ranging from 2-10yrs old. Some days I struggle greatly and wonder how many people end up parenting, and trying to manage PTSD symptoms and treatments.

It feels pretty lonely sometimes.

 

[Rumors]

I only have one (11) and he is damn near a perfect kid so it is not a daily struggle. If I had 3 I may not survive. At times I feel emotionally exhausted like I can't give anymore moral support to anyone for a while. I try and recharge my batteries by spending a few hours doing something I enjoy or just being alone. An escape helps even if it is a long bath. I am married but I am the primary caregiver doing all of the extra activities, homework, doctors appointments, sitting up when he is sick... It is a struggle for anyone at times without ptsd. Hang in there!!!!

 

[Panda Bear]

I feel the same....not much to give some days. That's why I feel pretty alone...

I can't possibly be the only one with little kids running around?

 

[GWhizz]

I've a 2-year-old and am due my 2nd in February.

Being pregnant with a toddler and PTSD, as well as working and studying full-time is pretty full-on.

Trying to fit therapy in on top of it all and the sheer exhaustion of symptom related sleep deprivation, is almost impossible.

I do my best to fit in some mindfulness and yoga practice. That's probably the only thing keeping me half together right now.

Keep being a super mama!

 

[Ironlady]

As you know I have four 9 and under. Everyday is a challenge. Some days I feel like a great mom and others not so much. Know that I'm always here. And I understand the overwhelming feeling of parenting while suffering. Just remember to breathe and try to laugh at the things that stress us and threaten to send us over the edge. And that sometimes it's ok to lock yourself in the bathroom and stuff your face with a snickers bar as you cover your ears. ;)

 

[sugnim]

I have a 2-year-old son. He is my reason for not giving up.

 

[Curzone]

I have a 4 year old daughter. The light of my life... She gives me purpose and a reason to live. Don't see her as much as I'd like to - wish I could be with her more often.

 

[Panda Bear]

It appears not many things of have small children :(

It's a challenge and indeed a big force for me to rewrite decades of old habits. This has gone on to long in my family. My kids deserve better.

 

[Friday]

Mines a teenager, now. :)

 

[digger]

Hi @Panda Bear, I haven't responded before now because my son is eighteen now (and far from small - he's been taller than me a good while ;))

When my head/life went bang this time around, he was 13, so not so small then either, although parenting a teen when you have your own mental health issues has its own challenges too.

The previous time my head/life went bang though, he was a baby/toddler. I'm not really sure how I did it to be honest. I was on my own with my son and had very little support.

I just wanted to acknowledge I guess, that even though I'm not there now, that I get it. And parenting small children and dealing with mental health issues can be extremely hard and lonely at times.

:hug:

 

[SoSadGuilty]

I have three children, not been officially diagnosed with ptsd but have diagnosis of recurrent depressive disorder and OCD. Mine are aged 8 -14 so this time round we've explained to the two older ones that I have depression and get bad thoughts. That most of the time the medicine keeps it under control but that sometimes it gets out of hand. The youngest one just knows I feel sad.

The last time I really broke was after the youngest was born & it was easier to hide it from the children as they were younger. My husband is super supportive but even so parenting has been a huge challenge at times when you feel so rubbish. Just give yourself a break and allow them to watch TV or something that will allow you to take a breather. There were mornings I couldn't get up but dragged myself out to get them to school /childcare. I don't think Ive always been a very present mother but I've done my best and they're loved and happy.