Hey Lemmy!
I’m a dad to a two year old boy. He’s very energetic and needs quite a bit of supervision. Other than that I couldn’t wish for a better son. I’d like to preface my actual question with saying I want to be a parent and I wouldn’t change that given the possibility.
The question is, does it get any easier? I have been stuck in a loop of wake up, take care of breakfast and other preparations, go to work, go back to parenting and maybe two hours of rest after the kid falls asleep. It feels like I don’t rest enough. I will however add that I’ve struggled with depression for the better part of a decade, I’m still pretty heavily medicated and in therapy. I’m much better than I was a few years ago, but the feeling of tiredness and lack of strength to be the best parent I can is at times getting the better of me.
I’m fully aware I put myself in this situation and I’m not sure I’d be happier with no kids. I guess I’m just looking for other people’s stories of when they were in similar situations or simply some words of encouragement.
Thanks.
You should edit your post title; I almost came here to give advice on the paperwork for establishing a temporary monopoly on your intellectual property ;)
For parenting, YES it gets much easier physically really just about now (2-3) as they start to be able to play more independently, (esp imagination games – encourage it, play along a few times and they will continue on their own).
It gets a lot easier physically when they go to school even that half-day a few times a week gives them a lot to process.
Beware, it gets much more challenging emotionally right around 3-5. This is where they will try to find what the boundaries are. Set clear boundaries and stick to them. Be a hard immovable rock just a few times and you both will really appreciate it for years after.
EDIT: oh yeah and be prepared to go into another room, yell obscenities at the little brat into your pillow where they cannot hear, and come back into the room as the Patron Saint of Calm Parenting. DO what you can to avoid losing it right in front of them or worse at them. They will test you.
Fixed the title, thanks! Hopefully the emotional support will be easier thanks to years of psychotherapy, but I’ll take your suggestions to heart. Glad to know there’s some easier times ahead.
Incredibly important during this time