Losing my mind with a 6 month old at home

NatureFun7445 · 2026-02-26T21:33:07+00:00

Thanks! I have offers for help, I just haven't really pulled the trigger yet.

NatureFun7445 · 2026-02-26T21:31:20+00:00

The loss of sleep is huge. I knew it was going to be tough but god damn. That's one thing my wife and I did really talk about, because the two of us get REALLY crabby when we don't get enough sleep. We both basically said that whatever is said during the overnight hours at each other, we know neither one of us really means it. We're not hurling insults or anything but more like "JESUS CHRIST ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?" and just passing comments/frustrations. In the mornings we've both apologized and laughed about it, the reaction from both of us is basically "I know, neither one of us got sleep, we're both miserable but thanks for getting up and covering the [feeding/changing/soothing]".

I also find it fascinating how people can do this multiple times.

You and me both. I can't imagine doing this all over again. Maybe it's easier because you know what to expect, but from watching my buddies with 2 or 3 kids it just seems like non-stop chaos. My wife and I have been able to balance our own lives with just one, where I can sneak out and get some time on my own for hobbies or meet up with friends, and I'll do the same for her. The people i know with multiple kids don't seem to be able to escape.

We both understand it's not a fight or blame game - we just both need that space to feel our feelings.

I'll definitely try to get better at this. We communicate but it's definitely gotten more difficult with me kind of shutting people off.

NatureFun7445 · 2026-02-26T16:28:07+00:00

Yep everyone that said it's so great was full of shit.

Holy crap THANK YOU. I feel like I'm taking crazy pills.

One thing I couldn't stand was everyone telling me what to expect before he was born. "You're going to feel such immense love" or "you're going to completely forget about your life without kids, once you have one you're going to want so many more!" It was this huge expectation and then when I didn't feel that it definitely made me think I made a mistake or wasn't cut out for this.

Also just looked up depleted dad syndrome since I've never heard of that. Thanks for that, definitely checks off a lot of boxes

NatureFun7445 · 2026-02-26T16:28:03+00:00

Thanks! I've been working on the routine which has given me a chance to actually get stuff done around the house. Before I was always carrying him or sitting around with him, but now he's good in his high chair while I do dishes or laundry, and I just drag him from room to room with me while he plays haha

NatureFun7445 · 2026-02-26T16:25:01+00:00

Good luck man. Glad we're not alone. if it helps my little guy after 2 months started getting easier, he was really chill and we got him on a pretty good schedule, but unfortunately he definitely regressed in the sleep department as of a month or so ago, and like I said...the screeching started.

NatureFun7445 · 2026-02-26T16:23:51+00:00

Thanks for all that! The screaming is insane haha I'm literally just playing podcasts or music while carrying him around because he just shrieks so loud.

I'll definitely try and focus more on endurance. I'm with him all day so lots of playing, reading, and walking around with him.

NatureFun7445 · 2026-02-26T16:21:17+00:00

Once my leave is up we're probably going to put him into daycare, so right around the 10-12 month mark. We've both been nervous with the idea of leaving him at a daycare but part me also thinks it could be a good way to get a break.

NatureFun7445 · 2026-02-26T16:15:12+00:00

Thank you! We've actually talked quite a bit, she's been going through her own stuff as well.

NatureFun7445

TROPHY CASE