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Does parenting get any easier? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) by Cheery@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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Hey Lemmy!

I'm a dad to a two year old boy. He's very energetic and needs quite a bit of supervision. Other than that I couldn't wish for a better son. I'd like to preface my actual question with saying I want to be a parent and I wouldn't change that given the possibility.

The question is, does it get any easier? I have been stuck in a loop of wake up, take care of breakfast and other preparations, go to work, go back to parenting and maybe two hours of rest after the kid falls asleep. It feels like I don't rest enough. I will however add that I've struggled with depression for the better part of a decade, I'm still pretty heavily medicated and in therapy. I'm much better than I was a few years ago, but the feeling of tiredness and lack of strength to be the best parent I can is at times getting the better of me.

I'm fully aware I put myself in this situation and I'm not sure I'd be happier with no kids. I guess I'm just looking for other people's stories of when they were in similar situations or simply some words of encouragement.

Thanks.

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[–] luthis@lemmy.nz 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Easier yes, but different. Every month (or few months as they get older) things change and it's a new kind of challenge. So the problems you have now will end and you'll have new things to tackle.

Protip: get involved with other young parents. The kids will get social time and tire themselves out, and you get to split parenting with others and it's less effort. It takes a tribe to raise a child

Also have depression, can understand.

[–] Cheery@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Thanks, I think that's what I'm missing, I don't know any parents in the area, there are some group play events for kids in the area, maybe I should look into them. Do you feel like depression impacts your parenting?

[–] luthis@lemmy.nz 2 points 9 hours ago (1 children)

Yes. Very much. It's hard to be present in the moment. It got easier when we could do things together. Parents group is a good idea, make friends, spread the load.

And always read books to your kid before bed. If you do nothing else, pick that one thing to do at least

[–] Cheery@lemmy.world 1 points 8 hours ago

We do read books to him, and he really likes it, even brings us his favourite books, so that's covered. Thanks for the suggestions, something to work towards.