I raise my 2 boys without the village. It’s bloody hard! We don’t have family near by, not in the way that I can pop round and get respite, or have them watch my boys for a few hours or overnight etc. and they’re both horrendous sleepers so lord knows I could do with the help 🥲 What really helps me is my husband making sure I do get me time, and that’s my break and time to fill my cup. It really helps to have that time carved out every day, even if it’s not much, as well as the more spontaneous times/breaks at weekends etc.
Me and my girl don't have a village either and my little ones dad isn't involved. It really is just the two of is. My family are 8hrs away (apart from my sister who is a mile down the road but doesn't speak to me - her choice). It's so hard, you try and explain the burn out to people but they just don't understand. Some of the comments my family have made just make things so much worse! They make me feel like a bad mum, bit it's just cause they don't understand fully what it's like. I could try to give you tips on how to cope but I don't have any. I take the little wins and just power on through. This is m9re of a message of support to say you're not alone,l. Feel free to send me a message if you like xx
We are the same with my 2 kids. No village, family who are only an hour and a bit away but expect us to come to them. The eldest is coming up to 2.5yo and we've never left him with anyone other than at nursery. The burnout is real, make sure your partner is aware of how you are feeling. Here if you want to message x
God I love this app. Thank you all so much for your replies. Really made me feel so much less alone ❤️ You’re all doing an amazing job and I really do think each and everyone one of you is a superstar!! I think starting nursery will be a good first step for us when I go back to work. Hope you all have a lovely weekend - peaceful and full of as much rest as physically possible 🤪
It's hard. I'm in exactly the same boat, family 2hrs away. Friends ive made in the area offer support but it's never when I need it. Only once I've managed to leave him with a friend for an hour. I can't suggest anything to make it easier, I just crack on with it. I knew it'd be like this but didn't imagine the isolation. My partner works away or has late nights too so I do 90% mon-fri. I'm lucky that he pretty much sleeps through, stirs for his dummy 2-3 times but that's it, he doesn't actually wake up. Feel free to reach out if you need extra ranting time. I get where your coming from. The first 4-5 months I felt burnt out and not myself. Now he sleeps a bit better it's a little easier. Stay strong for your little one and maybe ask a family member to come stay for a night or 2 to help out? Xx