But let me tell you, once you cross that magical school threshold things get significantly easier. Though you’ll have to deal with more and more social type problems, but those are easy IMO as it’s mostly just talking with them
Each year after that is easier…at least until the teen years, but again that’s more social/attitude type problems, at least you can just leave a 15 year old at home by themselves and go socialize by yourself and stuff
This week is my five-year-old’s winter break from school. I was not aware of that fact until yesterday.
I do love them and being with them (my post history should reinforce that if you doubt me); I don’t regret parenthood in the least; but their presence has definitely altered my plans for the week, especially those related to work. (I live in a rural area and have no friends here outside of my household, so socializing has not significantly changed for me.)
Point being, you’re definitely correct about that part.
I do love them and being with them (my post history should reinforce that if you doubt me); I don’t regret parenthood in the least; but their presence has definitely altered my plans for the week, especially those related to work. (I live in a rural area and have no friends here outside of my household, so socializing has not significantly changed for me.)
I loathe the rise of that “Super Parents” ideology, like if you can reorient your entire life around your children, that’s cool.
But if you can’t match it does not mean you love your kids any less.
I agree with you. I’ve never known a parent who didn’t sometimes need a break, regardless of whether they take one. However, I know some people at least kind of feel like that’s a red flag, so I try to head it off at the pass, such as it is.
Each year is easier in my experience. When they can move, they are less frustrated because they can get to want they want. When they can talk, they don’t need to shout in order to tell you that they are hungry. When they can reason, you can explain how you are thinking.
What really helped us early on was routines. For our first child, we wrote down when she slept and when she ate. Eventually, she would cry and we would look at the clock and realise “its time for food”. And that transitioned into learning that we need to make lunch now because she will be hungry soon.
Also, removing the diper was a way less scary affair than I though it would be.
Frustrated, angry and annoyed is her mood about 50% of the time. Super active and demanding, but can’t communicate what she wants. I think you’re right… it’ll get a bit calmer around here when she can at least move around more and communicate a bit.
Agreed! Diapers ain’t shit. My tolerance for grossness has shifted dramatically. And I feel like it must be more than just desensitization from exposure… I think it’s due more so to kin selection and instinct because the change took place almost immediately.
I actually meant stop using them. I had an internal, unrational fear for when our first stopped using diapers. And when the time came, it was really easy for us.
But on the topic of grossness, one really gets desensitized. When they start eating real food, it starts smelling like real poop and you get used to real fast.
This got me through the worst nights. This, coffee and a large stock of favourite candies/snacks. Don’t worry, the sleep thing gets way better soon, hang in there!
While they are <5 years old yea
But let me tell you, once you cross that magical school threshold things get significantly easier. Though you’ll have to deal with more and more social type problems, but those are easy IMO as it’s mostly just talking with them
Each year after that is easier…at least until the teen years, but again that’s more social/attitude type problems, at least you can just leave a 15 year old at home by themselves and go socialize by yourself and stuff
This week is my five-year-old’s winter break from school. I was not aware of that fact until yesterday.
I do love them and being with them (my post history should reinforce that if you doubt me); I don’t regret parenthood in the least; but their presence has definitely altered my plans for the week, especially those related to work. (I live in a rural area and have no friends here outside of my household, so socializing has not significantly changed for me.)
Point being, you’re definitely correct about that part.
I loathe the rise of that “Super Parents” ideology, like if you can reorient your entire life around your children, that’s cool.
But if you can’t match it does not mean you love your kids any less.
I agree with you. I’ve never known a parent who didn’t sometimes need a break, regardless of whether they take one. However, I know some people at least kind of feel like that’s a red flag, so I try to head it off at the pass, such as it is.
As a new dad whose baby does not sleep and needs constant attention… this is encouraging to hear.
Each year is easier in my experience. When they can move, they are less frustrated because they can get to want they want. When they can talk, they don’t need to shout in order to tell you that they are hungry. When they can reason, you can explain how you are thinking.
What really helped us early on was routines. For our first child, we wrote down when she slept and when she ate. Eventually, she would cry and we would look at the clock and realise “its time for food”. And that transitioned into learning that we need to make lunch now because she will be hungry soon.
Also, removing the diper was a way less scary affair than I though it would be.
Frustrated, angry and annoyed is her mood about 50% of the time. Super active and demanding, but can’t communicate what she wants. I think you’re right… it’ll get a bit calmer around here when she can at least move around more and communicate a bit.
Agreed! Diapers ain’t shit. My tolerance for grossness has shifted dramatically. And I feel like it must be more than just desensitization from exposure… I think it’s due more so to kin selection and instinct because the change took place almost immediately.
Yeah. That phase can suck. It gets better with time. Hang in there.
‘Preciate it! B)
I actually meant stop using them. I had an internal, unrational fear for when our first stopped using diapers. And when the time came, it was really easy for us.
But on the topic of grossness, one really gets desensitized. When they start eating real food, it starts smelling like real poop and you get used to real fast.
Always remember: This too shall pass
This got me through the worst nights. This, coffee and a large stock of favourite candies/snacks. Don’t worry, the sleep thing gets way better soon, hang in there!
Thanks! I’ll have to remember that. :)
Ah, so you’re saying kids are not an issue when someone else is taking care of them or they’re taking care of themselves. lol