I feel so burnt out… any other mama feels like they just want to run away for a week and do nothing but lay in bed and do absolutely NOTHING? I don’t even want to do this whole “momming” thing let alone work… how do you mamas push past the burn out stage?? Ugh I just want a break. No work, no kids, no nothing. Ugh
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I’m in the same boat. I love my kid but honestly not a fan of being a mom. I can’t think of anything to get out of the burnt out stage.
I’ve been dealing with a teenage son who can’t stay out of trouble at school, pfa issues , and feeling like I’m going to lose my mind in general. I plan on taking a day/ night , going to a hotel, swimming and hanging out in my bra and underwear in a hotel bed with a beer in hand. Bc I need it. Moms need a break and it’s ok! Take one
So, so often felt this way when the kids were little. I think all moms without live-in nannies do.
Going to the gym while my hubs watched the kids, often after they were in bed, saved me somewhat. Being an “adult” at work while someone else watched my kids helped. Having awesome friends and neighbors who could take the kids sometimes (and reciprocating for those with kids) helped. Having wonderful grandparents help with the kids helped a lot. Hubs would let me sleep Saturday mornings while he dealt with the kids; I’d take the kids to church Sundays so he could sleep.
Find a “tribe” to help and get the chance to recuperate a bit. Sleep when the kids sleep. Let the house go, use disposable plates, cups, utensils, buy more ready-made food at the grocery store.
Simplify your wardrobe and morning routine, let the kids eat Pop-tarts or doughnuts for breakfast once in awhile. Teach your kids to do stuff for themselves like hold a bottle, help you change the baby, buckle themselves in their car seat. My kids would sit peacefully in a baby swing long enough for us to scarf down some food; my son loved the Jolly Jumper and would happily spend an hour in it. If your house is flat, those rolling baby seats could keep a little one entertained. Sit with a cold drink alongside baby/toddler in the baby pool, or climb in too. Wash your baby as you take a shower. I got a clear shower curtain so I could watch my mischievous boy at the same time. He was fascinated with tampons;the cost of a box gave me an uninterrupted shower.
Kids on solids can hand feed themselves Cheerios, Chex, 1/2 grapes, blueberries, diced tofu soaked in apple juice or chicken broth, chick peas, peas, or other small beans, small cubes of various cheeses, cubed potatoes and bits of cooked carrots, parsnips, squash (zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, butternut) while in a high chair. Cans of mixed vegetables are salty, but toddler-ready. Sliced or halved pitted olives or bits of fruit work too. Splat Mat under the high chair catches dropped food, pick up after feeding and dump contents in the trash or sink.
Pay for whatever you can—maid service, laundry service, babysitting, grocery or meal delivery—it’s probably cheaper than therapy, but pay for that if you need to. After you get your equilibrium back, you can cut back or eliminate the service.
Invite the neighbors for dessert or drinks (your house or elsewhere) and meet ones who can help. Join mom groups. Meet other parents or potential babysitters at day care, playground, church or wherever and find the ones you like & can trust. What can you offer, now or in the future, to friends and relatives who will visit for a week or weekend to help out? Try out babysitters by staying home to watch them the first time or get a nanny cam.
I think all parents feel like this. Just take some time to yourself even if it’s just a few hours. Go get a pedi/ go get your hair done/ go get a massage/ etc.
It’s very normal to feel burnt out.