Just Simply Stressed Out Mom of 3 (2 Boys/1 Girl All Under 5)

D.

I can relate! I went through exactly what you are now living! My middle two are 14 months apart and their older sister is 2 years older and my youngest is two years younger.

So I can absolutely put myself in your shoes. I found Brookdale Park's playground to be a saving grace. Also I joined Mother's and More and found a playgroup, which helped relieve some of the stress because there were other kids to play with and other Moms to help me with my sanity!

I promise it gets better! Good luck!

D.

I def feel ur pain. My 2 kids are 15 months apart both under the age of 4. My husband hardly helps and both my mom and mother in law passed away. I feel i never get a break. The only alone time i get is when they go to sleep at night cause they dont nap during the day, i go out with friends. Its not for long either cause i get worried they will wake up and i will get a call to come home. Its very hard and everyone tells me, it will get better! My kids arent quiet, calm kids. lol I take them to friends houses, parks, shopping, everywhere i go, they go. Maybe we can help each other out!

Believe me, I can relate. I have 4 kids ages 5 and under, and it is hectic. I've found a few important things to help me get though. First, find a support group of other moms who are at home with their kids like you. Get together in a setting where you can relax a little and have adult time while the kids play. I can't tell you how much it helps me to talk to other moms. Next, eliminate anything nonessential that is stressing you out. If the swimming classes are just too much, drop them. Also, I make my kids do "quiet time" every day for at least 1 hour. The ones who nap, nap. Those who don't stay in bed with books or coloring until the timer rings. It gives me time to relax or cross off a couple of things on my "to do" list. And the kids are much better behaved on the days when we do that. Email me if you want and we can chat some more.

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Hi D.-
You should try doing Yoga or Pilates. Both methods reduce stress.
Hope this helps-
K.

I am not in your situation but I do have a 2 year old and a 4 month old. Is a babysitter a possibility? You didn't mention having one. I find and I'm sure many would agree, an extra set of hands on a regular basis (even 1 or 2x a week for a couple of hours!)makes a WORLD of difference. How often do your parents help out?

HI D., I know your stress is very real. Although it is a long time ago, my first 3 were all close. In fact my oldest was 2 1/2 when I had my third. It was like the twilight zone and all I did was be mommy with a not very helpful husband. The 5 year old must be in school. The two little ones should still take a nap. I know you have a lot to do but try to take some time for you. Maybe take a nice bubble bath while they sleep. When they are all up, do things with them. Watch some cartoons on TV or a movie. Housework will wait and YES, this time will pass. The more you yell the worse they will be. You also could play some soothing music to calm the children and you. I hope this helps. You will survive, many others did. I also went on to have 2 more sons. My best, Grandma Mary

I have been there. My oldest, 6 & 5, are 14.5 months apart and my youngest is 2.5 years old. Up until 1 month ago I did not have any support to help as I lived far from family and my husband was always working.

If you think you may need some intervention see your dr. My dr. helped me out tremendously when I thought I couldn't go on.

In the meantime, take time for yourself whenever you can. I used to go to Target when my hubby got home. I called it therapy.. I swear my BP dropped the minute I walk through their doors! If I couldn't get out, I would find a quiet spot in the house to hide for what I called my lunch break.

Get together with other moms. Take the kids outside. Whatever tires them out and gives you some respite. I know how you feel, you certainly are not alone. Hang in there. It will get better. I promise.

I do sympathise. I have only 2 kids and they are 5 years apart and I find it hard to keep them from arguing and picking at each other, so you must have a harder job!
The only things I can suggest are to try and spend some quality time with each one, even if just for 15 mins to read a story or play a game, while someone else minds the others. And you must try to get some time out just for yourself. Do not feel guilty about doing something you enjoy, alone or with friends. I know I feel bad if I have time without the kids - I feel I should be catching up on all the chores that need doing rather than taking time for myself! But that quality time is so important for you to have the resources to deal with work and the kids the rest of the time.