[Love&Toil]

I try to be a good parent, I really do. But sometimes I feel like parenting is just too hard. Some of you out there know what I mean. How do you survive it? How do you slog through and perform at your best even when you are feeling your worst?

[Smileonmyface]

yeah i know that feeling. my kids are 3 and 1. sometimes I just force myself to get on the floor and play with them, read to them, go outside, but not as much as i should. the tv is on too much.

[Puglife]

I totally understand. The days are long and the years are short when you have kids. Some days it feels like bedtime will never come and then before I know it they are celebrating another birthday.

It's important to have as much help as possible and make sure that you are taking care of yourself first.

[Dustyharley2]

I have no advice but I understand your struggle

[Love&Toil]

Thank you all for your responses. I know I need more self-care in my life but cannot figure out how to fit it in amongst all the responsibilities of working FT, caring for kids (ages 4, 7 & 10), being a wife, mother, sister, daughter, household management, etc etc etc.

My specific triggers come when my dd1 tells me I don't give her enough positive attention when I feel such despair because I try so hard. I think she just tells me that to get back at me when she has hurt feelings or is feeling negative.

Ds wants to chose some smilies:

[maryalonsa]

yeah i know that feeling.