Anybody Else Ever Feel like Throwing in the Towel?

When my oldest was about 3 I had a similar feeling. I think for me it was 2 things. 1- he was getting bored of his toddler things, and was ready to be a big boy with different interests. We started doing more 'preschool' activities at home and with other kids. 2- I needed some personal fun time. I joined a community sports league that met once a week. Just having something that I did that was purely for my own enjoyment worked wonders. It was after bedtime, and I went on my own. I actually had my kids come once and it wasn't the same. I just needed some personal time away (which isn't quite the same if you are away at work).
Best of luck.

First, don't beat yourself up about wanting to be your own person again. Second, it sounds like you need some mommy time and some support. My recommendations are: get out by yourself with some friends! Next recommendation - get a support group. Are you still in baltimore? I'm on www.baltimoremommies.com - it's a local online support group. You have to sign up and be approved (just so automated computers or weird men aren't signing up), but it's free and the best thing that I've ever found. I found them while I was still pregnant, so about 2 years now, and between venting, playdates, mommies night outs, recipe sharing, etc etc, I highly highly recommend it.
Good luck, and hope to see you on the site ;)

Hello there fellow Baltimorian!

It's good to vent, so do it as often as possible...Once we decide to have children, we sign up for a lifetime of care giving. Yes, a lifetime. Our toughest challenges are also our most rewarding. Loosing yourself in the process, however, is NOT a good thing. You said you had 2 boys? Is your youngest 3 years old, or is that your oldest? Whatever the case, you might want to think about putting your 3 year old in pre-school (if he isn't already going). For 3 hours a day he will be interacting with other kids his age, learning fun stuff, and maturing. You can also implement some of the same activities from pre-school in your home, keeping his day consistent and structured.

As for your younger son, sign up for some mommy and me classes. This will allow him to socialize with other people besides his family and stimulate him in a way that will allow him to be calm, and increase his maturity rate, therefore making your life easier.

Now, for the most important thing to consider: YOU! If mom is unhappy, whatever the reason, the rest of the family will feel/know it. Go shopping, have a pedi/mani, have a girls' night out, have a shot of tequila! You're absolutely correct when you say that being a mom is the hardest job on earth, no doubt it is! And it's also the most unappreciated job on earth, but keep this in mind...without you, the world stops! Take care of yourself, you're a great mom, a little burnt out, right now, but that IS normal. Even if you didn't have kids and just worked outside of the house, at some point, you'd get burnt out doing that too. No human on this planet can keep going at 100 mph without burning out, the trick is to remember it's OK to feel that way, and to find a way to re-energize. When I burn out, I go to NYC to "plug in" and fill myself up with that undeniable energy, get my butt back to Baltimore and get back to business.

You're the BEST, don't loose sight of that!

Wow - I feel like I could of written this letter. I feel like this almost everyday. My boys are 3 and 1. It can be so hard dealing with their demands, fighting, non-stop talking, energy, etc.

Sometimes I dream about my old apartment. I lived alone, no husband, no kids....

Seriously, I love my kids. But I also miss the old me. I am a nurse and it helps me to work 2 days a week. My family and husband take care of the children while I am at the hospital. It gives me a nice little break and a chance to talk to other adults.

Maybe you need to work more? Maybe you need to schedule a date night with your husband, or a ladies-only night out? That helps me.

Good luck and hang in there!

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I feel for you. I work 3 days a week at home and 2 days a week in the office. I always feel that if I just had more time I could be a much better mom. Today I was 10 min late getting my daughter to preschool, 30 min late to getting my son to preschool and 20 minutes late to the office and there was a lot of screaming. I long for the day that I don't have to worry about daycare or work deadlines. At the same time, when I am not working, it can become mundane. I remember my mom telling me that the time she spent as a stay at home mom were the worst years of her life (not exactly comforting to hear from your mom). I've come to believe that it is very difficult as a woman to have everything. Are there some mommy groups in your area?