To all Parents, please share!

@acosjo (1903)
Canada
February 21, 2007 1:12pm CST
I know kids can drive you crazy sometimes but I feel really bad when I get frustrated & mad with my kids (but I know it's not their fault and they are still young). Example: My daughter used to sleep fine through the night but for the last while is always, and I mean always waking up. It's even worse when she's sick as she'll have a fit literally every 5 minutes. I know kids do this and it is not their fault, but sometimes when I am SO TIRED at night and don't sleep because she always wakes up, I get so mad sometimes. I don't yell or get upset with her as my frustration is kept to myself and I have 100% control over that. I just feel so guilty about getting frustrated. It's hard though when you don't sleep. I know I would never get angry with my kids because my parents never once got upset with me when I would wake up in the middls of the night and bug them because I wanted something to eat. Do any other parents feel this way?
3 people like this
5 responses
• United States
27 Mar 07
Oh you are are not alone! I had twins, infants and a 2 1/2 yr old to deal with. The twins were both preemies and ate every hour or so. The oldest was a typical 2 1/2 yr old but between never sleeping and always wanting my attention, typical household chores, a husband who never ever TOUCHED the twins until they were about 6 months old and working part time I thought I would die of exhaustion. Being tired can of course make you cranky. I would resort to sometimes putting the twins in their room, making sure they were okay and tucked in but they would be crying and having me at my wits end and just closing the door and going to the other end of the house for even 10 minutes to just get a minute to myself. I'd return a little refreshed and less stressed and know that I could handle a little more if needed and we all survived. Sometimes it's just best to walk away if even for a few minutes. And realize you are human and can only take so much stress.
1 person likes this
@acosjo (1903)
• Canada
27 Mar 07
Wow. Good for you for pulling through. That must have been tough. Makes my situation not so bad. I'm glad you were able to get through and now you know you are even stronger!
@brokentia (10389)
• United States
8 Mar 07
It is normal to get cranky when one is sleep deprived. As long as you remember to take a deep breath and be calm. Often, if you are upset, the baby can pick up on that and also be upset. So, if you find that she is upset and will not calm down, you may want to take that into consideration too. But again, it is normal!!! I have seven kids...and there are many of times that I am cranky due to being sleep deprived. LOL
1 person likes this
@acosjo (1903)
• Canada
26 Mar 07
I agree. My daughter is actually sleeping well now. She'll wake up only once during the night.
@mfrancq (1806)
• United States
22 Feb 07
I have recently been diagnosed with a pretty severe condition. I have a ten month old, who recently has gotten the flu and refuses to eat, sleep, or smile for any reason. I am tired as it is due to my condition...and find myself even more tired to the lack of sleep. My frustration is at it's maximum. However, I too realize he is just a baby and doesn't know any other way to react. So, I just smile and try to soothe or play with him until he gets sleepy again. It is hard, but as you said, it is not their fault.
1 person likes this
@acosjo (1903)
• Canada
23 Feb 07
Thanks hun, I trust your condition will get better.... In time our kids will sleep and we'll be trying our best to wake them up to go to school.
@Tanika (632)
• Australia
22 Feb 07
Hiya acosjo, I SOOOOO know where you are coming from. My daughter is sick at the moment too and although shes not waking every 5 mins its at least once an hour. It is frustrating when you are not getting a good sleep. prolly just as frustrating for them also. I often wonder how i got through in the newborn phases when she is like this. I too would not get angry at her, but it really can take a toll on you and its really frustrating. i feel bad too. about 6 months ago when i was getting my daughter ready for bed she had a febrile convulsion and i ended up calling the ambulance. it was very very scary. now it helps me to stay calm to remember that time and know i love her soo much. i hope this passes for you soon :) and me too :) Tanika.
@acosjo (1903)
• Canada
22 Feb 07
Thanks Tanika. I'm very glad your daughter is ok. That is very important. Yes, it will pass eventually. Patience is key!
• Philippines
22 Feb 07
It's really difficult to be a mother. But I suggest that you take it lighter, I mean accept it. If your daughter wakes you up for something, just do it right away and after that go to sleep again. Don't be angry so that you can sleep better. Don't feel frustrated. Your daughter will grow and time will come that she'd not at all disturb you.
1 person likes this
@acosjo (1903)
• Canada
26 Mar 07
Yes, it very difficult to be a mother. Especially for me....because I am a FATHER.