for anyone who has a young child...?

Question

Do you lack energy?... what time do you go to sleep and how long do you sleep at night... My daughter is 2 1/2 and I feel I don't have the energy I used to have... also, I find it hard to have some time to myself without feeling guilty...

Answer 1

YES, yes, and yes to that! My energy levels have depleted SO much since I had my son! I end up not getting enough sleep, because I try to stay up later to do the little chores that I couldn't get done before. I go to bed around 11 or 11:30, and have to get up around 6 or so to get ready for work. By the end of the day I am exhausted! I honestly hate that my house is always trashed now, since I was a complete neat freak before...and then there's the endless laundry that's always lying around the house, waiting to be done. I feel like I can't handle anything anymore! I know what you mean about feeling guilty about wanting some time to yourself, because I feel the same way! I rarely get it, even though I know how important it is. It's really tough being a mother sometimes!!

Answer 2

There are days when I feel I could sleep all day long...did you know there was a study where professional athletes were told to follow and copy a toddler's actions for an entire day. Half of them were more exhausted than after a game or running.

I have a 20 month old son who is exceptionally full of energy. He goes to bed at 8:30, and I follow shortly around 11pm. He is usually up by 8am. Try to get as much REM sleep as possible. It makes all the difference.

I certainly don't have the energy I used too either. But I find that eating right, sleeping well and getting some alone time can really help.

Don't feel guilty about having time to yourself. We all need it, and it will help to keep you sane.

Some suggestions: nap when she does, or if you can't sleep just spend quiet time (watch a movie, read a book). If she doesn't nap, start making "quiet time." A good time is after lunch. This is her time to play quietly by herself, curl up with you on the couch for a quiet story or watch a little cartoons.

Answer 3

I have a 8 1/2 month old and am absolutely drained!!! I don't sleep much because he is teething and not very happy right now, last night he went to bed at 11 and woke up at 630 and in that time he woke up 7 times!!!! Even before he came I have a 4 year old also and was still lacking energy. I usually take a very short shower but my husband was home this morning so I took a lot longer one even though the baby was screaming his head off and I felt bad but the shower did feel good.

Answer 4

What is your diet like? That makes a huge difference!

I go to sleep between 10-10:30 and I get up at 5am. I get up early so I can walk the dog, exercise and have some quiet time before I get the kids out of bed and the chaos begins. Exercising in the morning gets me charged up and I feel I have tons of energy to get me through the day. Well...at least until about 1pm! Ha! But then that is when I have the kids settle down for quiet time. They don't have to nap but they have that option. I usually lay down with a book or tv and then I snooze for an hour. It helps!! I'm not really asleep but just kinda drifting in and out. It totally recharges me.

But diet makes a difference. Do you eat breakfast? If not, do. Try to eat something wholesome like oatmeal. Then eat on a regular schedule. We eat breakfast at 7, snack at 10, lunch at noon, snack at 3 and then dinner around 6 depending on the night. Eating on a schedule has all kinds of benefits. Also, cut back on sugars and try to cut out high fructose corn syrup. If you are on caffeine then get off of it. People think it gives them a boost but you're just setting yourself up to crash.

Take time for yourself. There is no reason not to and your daughter will benefit from it because you'll feel refreshed and able to be a better mom.

Answer 5

True Faith:

You have the same energy you used to have, it's just that it's much of it is being expended on your daughter. You're normal.

Cut back on her sugar so she is less energetic and sleeps better through the night. At 2 1/2 she should be sleeping through the night, and so should you.

Don't feel guilty for taking time for yourself; not only are you worth it but you will eventually resent your daughter and feel that you have sacrifice too much. If you can't give to yourself for yourself, give yourself the gift of time for the sake of your daughter. You will both benefit.

Answer 6

i understand completely i also have a 2 1/2 daughter she sleep like 10 hrs at night then she takes a nap during the day from 2 to 4 so i also take a nap with her and that seems to help me when i feel tired

Answer 7

I was the same. Fortunately, mine is older now. He's a teenager!! (sob)

They have far more energy than you ever will, and it is very constant. Also, whenever me and the wife went out, he was all we ever talked about.

She is now old enough to spend some time away from you. try a playgroup or something, just for a couple of hours a week, and make sure you devote the time to YOU. Not housework, or food shopping, but YOU.

Answer 8

My kids are grown, but boy do I remember those days.
Some suggestions:
Get Dad involved - big time - especially in the evenings or whenever he is home. If he is not in your life, look to a good friend or relative who will enjoy spending good times with your child. No need to feel guilty, this is good for you and your child.
Also, keep close watch on your diet and general health. Fatigue is only made worse when we don't eat right or keep ourselves in good shape.
And finally, keep reminding yourself that very soon she will be going off to school and you will be wondering what to do with all that free time!
God bless.

Answer 9

I have an 8 month old and I am always tired, and I was told that I still have atleast 3 more years of this to come that is if we dont decide to have another one before then. I started taking the one a day womens and it does help. Best of luck.

Answer 10

I work 3 days a week. The rest of the week, when my almost 3 year old naps, I nap too. :)

That really helps me.