What Do You Do When You're Feeling Down?

My solution is free, though not always easy: I get outside, rain or shine. Sometimes the dishes and laundry have to wait. Pack a snack and get out there. You'll be amazed how uplifting it is.

When I'm feeling down I like to put the kids to bed early and eat some choc. cake and watch tv.

Then tomorrow, take the kids outside and play all day. It will truly help with feeling down.

= )

you need a treat!
getting away by yourself for a couple of hours would be ideal, but if that doesn't work, pack up those kids and go have an adventure. a small hike with a picnic, or a visit to the library that includes checking out a movie that you love, or fixing your absolute favorite dessert and then enjoying it with an old favorite movie after the kids go to bed.
good luck!
khairete
S.

I am in the same position. I have a 2 1/2 year old and 13 yr old stepdaughter. I never have a babysitter and so I try to take advantage of any time I do get. I rest during my youngest child's nap. You're right, while I am so happy I get to stay home with my baby, it is a thankless job. I try to rest during his nap, bought an exercise video to try to get some weight off, I email friends, call friends, I watch the comedy channel so I can laugh and let off steam, I read the funnies (anything to make me laugh), started checking books out of the library to read when I do get a moment to rest to take my mind off of things,
Can you put your 2 yr old down for a nap and your 4 yr old down for some quiet time (if he/she no longer nap) so you can lay down too and rest? Have a tiny piece of dark chocolate. Hang in there....it will pass.
Oh and if when hubby gets home...after dinner let's say....try to take 30 mins for yourself (bath, walk around the neighborhood etc.).

I too have children the same ages as you so I totally relate!!! The way I cheer myself up is:

Call a friend,email/text--share a thought, frustration, vent, happy thing
Write in my journal
Get outside! Whatever I can do to take my kids outside, I do it--I always feel better.
Join a weekly playgroup
Tie into my church often and regularly for friends and support.

Hang in there! This will pass....

M

check your local freebies.....local church groups, MOPS programs, etc.

Find some neighbors with kids.

Contact your local school district & see if they have an early childhood program.....ours has a weekly playgroup.

Start babysitting yourself! It's amazing how much easier life is when your child has a playmate!

Now for yourself: when you start feeling the pressure, take 5 minutes for yourself. Focus on happy thoughts, focus on the +s of being with your kids. Do something to make your children smile.....that's a golden moment!

I would never say raising children is a "thankless" job. Every day you are with your kids is important and youll see the great rewards eventually. When I had a tough day with kids, I found it helped to just get down on the floor with them and roll around and wrestle and giggle and have silly fun. No matter what tantrum a toddler was contimplating, they usually cant resist laughing and being silly when the grownups get on the floor and act goofy. And then going out side is always good. Go out and run in circles, and chase each other, play tag, and hide behind the tree and jump out and say GOTCHA, and just be a kid along with them. It usually changes that childs attitude in a good positive way and its great exercise for you. That in itself will cheer you up too. Sunshine and exercise work wonders and the kids will be happier too.

Take a walk- seriously. Put the kids in the stroller and go for a walk somewhere that is quiet and beautiful. SAHM is a thankless job, but so is mine...no one "thanks" me for pointing out where their educational programs are failing their students... and I'm a wife and a mom on top of it.

When I'm feeling down, I take my little family for a walk. It doesn't cost anything and it reminds me that I am lucky to have a happy and healthy life. I don't buy myself a treat or get a sitter to treat myself to a spa day b/c that doesn't make me feel better. Spending time with my family makes me feel better and helps me take perspective.

Work from home and build up your self esteem relating to other parents. I know this is shameless self-promotion, but I love to help other moms succeed in business. www.toysofdiscovery.com Your kids are in the perfect age range for our products, educational toys, so you'll be happy, and so will they! Plus you'll be adding to your income.

You've gotten some really good responses so far :)

I think what helps is being able to have conversations with grown ups. I will usually call a friend or my mom and talk for a while.

Getting out of the house helps too.

Music can really lift my spirits. Sometimes I put on some upbeat music and dance around the family room with the kids.

You say that you've been feeling down "lately". If this has been going on for a while, maybe you are suffering from depression?

http://www.webmd.com/depression/tc/symptoms-depression

Hang in there. Things'll get easier when your 2 year old gets a little bigger.
Until then, maybe you'll find some of the tips in this article will help you to cope with the terrible 2's:

http://www.howtodothings.com/family-and-relationships/a25...

Very best wishes :)

I can totally relate! It can be rough sometimes. I joined the Mom's Club and that has helped me immensely. Other moms support and playgroups and outings for the kids. There are moms clubs all over the U.S. Sometimes just taking time for yourself when hubby is home or pamper yourself whenever you can!