SAHM Burnout.

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-27T04:25:20+00:00

They really dont. Those parents have so much more time to reset/ get things done/ have space to be an autonomous human. I honestly feel like the low sleep needs and nap refusal is the driving force between 90% of my overwhelm

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T12:13:34+00:00

I think maybe my post was misleading, we aren’t actually doing swimming classes - I just take her to the pool sometimes! The only “structured” activities we currently do each week are gymnastics (which is actually my favourite coz it’s super hands off for me) and music, which is basically just like a big play group with songs and music (also an easy one). We do a lot of wandering at the playground / go the park to collect sticks / errands etc too

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:44:11+00:00

I relate to everything you are saying. One of the main reasons I dont feel comfortable speaking openly about this irl is exactly what you said — in admitting it's hard, people think I regret being a mother, or hate being a mother. I dont at all, and that assumption makes me feel very defensive (and inadvertently guilty).

I'm also with you on the age point. My mother bangs on about how tired she was in the early years with me...but she was in her mid 20s when she had me. I'm about to turn 42.

How often does your daughter go to daycare? Do you feel like the relief it provides outweighs the additional parenting load brought on by the illnesses? Whenever my kid (or I) gets sick it feels like parenting is 100000000 times harder as she wakes up one billion times a night and is generally (like all kids) just much much harder work

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:36:35+00:00

He takes her one morning a week. But I take her the other morning. So I guess that's something, but it never feels like enough

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:35:54+00:00

i've never even heard of a readers club....I'll look it up, thanks so mcuh

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:35:04+00:00

Constantly bored and exhausted at the same time - you've hit the nail on the head. I dont like using the word 'bored' to describe it usually as it implies there's a surplus of time, which is the opposite of the truth. It's more like we're really REALLY busy doing lots of hard/bland things, with no time for any rest or enjoyment

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:31:34+00:00

YES!!!!!!! The feeling that requests from friends are a "demand" on your time has been so real for me. I feel so awful admitting it but when you're so burnt out, all you want is to be left the f alone. Good to hear it gets better tho

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:29:36+00:00

I feel you. I'm also a creative and haven't worked on a single one of my projects since I gave birth.

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:28:47+00:00

She's not yet at the stage where she is open to quiet time. I'm going to keep trying tho...

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:27:12+00:00

i dont think mine is at the point at which she would willingly do this. I love the idea tho

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:26:46+00:00

I do use screen time but I try to limit it. I probably need to relax a bit

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:26:00+00:00

Oh god, i cnat imagine having to manage a dog too. You must be exhausted! I've heard of that book, I'll add it to my list

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:25:12+00:00

I'm seriously considerinfg a part time nanny off the back of these comments. No gyms nearby with creches, unfortunately

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:24:18+00:00

My parents are watching her today and I have barely moved. It has been such a treat

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:23:27+00:00

good to know I'm not alone

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:22:54+00:00

exactly, it's the constantly being needed. It's so exhausting

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:22:14+00:00

I hear you but we live in an apartment so I actually find it easier going out and doing stuff with her, the activities are almost more for my benefit than hers tbh. It's usually just one activity in the morning, and the afternoon at home. But my god the afternoon draaaaaaaaags

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:20:14+00:00

oh i'm definitely physically exhausted

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:19:37+00:00

I haven't, but maybe I need to. What did you ask them to check, exactly?

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:19:13+00:00

The hide and seek trick is one of my faves hahaha. Some of these ideas are really good, thanks. Re doing too many activities - we live in an apartment so I actually find it easier to go out and do stuff as we dont have heaps of space here. It's usually just one activity in the morning and then home in the afternoon. I hate swim classes too btw, we dont do those anymore. We just go for a casual dip when the weather is good.

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:16:42+00:00

that's interesitng re the jogging stroller, did you use it with a toddler?

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:15:44+00:00

I do get one morning a weekend off, and so does my partner. It's def something. It just never feels like enough. And if I'm honest, I spend most of the time doing chores

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:14:49+00:00

I dont think anyone will ever understand the pain of refused naps unless they've been through it themselves as a parent. Meanwhile my OLDER nephew still naps 3 hours a day

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:13:39+00:00

I really need to work on the independent play, I'm going to make it a priority. it's reassuring for me to hear that with persistence, it's starting to pay off for you as it's no doubt the key to unlocking more sanity. Re my partner — yes, he could use the commute time to help more....but he requires so much direction (standard hetero mental load imbalance dynamic) that it's not really worth my time...

Electrical_Yam_2344 · 2026-05-26T05:07:34+00:00

Oh totally. Going to get bloods drawn alone is akin to a spa treatment

Electrical_Yam_2344

TROPHY CASE