https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 03 May 2026 20:06:10 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677241 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:58:24 +0000 meredithNYC 2677241@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: Of course, now I'm thinking about TTC soon, so I'm going to ruin it all! </p> <p>@Mrs. Blue: I agree that some stages aren't the best for everyone. For me, the first year is TERRIBLE, but I really enjoy toddlers. I think it's totally okay to be in survival mode for the stages that are tough. We're human, we're not going to be perfect all day, every day, and it's ok. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677239 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:55:35 +0000 snowjewelz 2677239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I completely feel you (2 year old and a 3 week old), and agree with mostly everyone else... I think it boils down, for me, A) self care. If I don't do anything for myself or have any down time, resentment builds up and I take out on DH/kids B) communication... I let stuff build up a lot... Starts with "oh.. this is just a phase... it's fine.. I can do it..." and then just builds and builds and again, resentment builds up. Often times I just need someone, anyone to acknowledge how hard it is, that I'm trying my best, and that it's gonna be okay. </p> <p>And def chant over and over again "the days are long but the years are short"!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677218 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:37:08 +0000 wrkbrk 2677218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@My Only Sunshine: These are really good ideas. Thanks for sharing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677210 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:24:15 +0000 gentlelunette 2677210@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FaithFertility: it's the best when they just love so freely! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677208 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:21:48 +0000 Mrs. Blue 2677208@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There are so many jumbled things running through my brain right now, so here's a few of them:</p> <p>-Find a way to have some time for yourself. When G was little, he wouldn't take a bottle and I was home full time so I could never get away. He didn't sleep through the night until he was weaned and I was also chasing two year olds around. I have never felt so close to losing myself. In hind sight, I wish I would have been more assertive about making sure I had some time--even if it was an hour a week--to do whatever whether it be take a nap, have lunch with a friend, etc. with no kids. DH could have handled the kids fine, even if G refused a bottle and and cried the entire time, they would have all survived and I would have been a better and happier mama that year. Sometimes it feels selfish to prioritize yourself, but it's NOT. It really does make you better in every area when you take care of yourself, too. </p> <p>-Some stages it's harder to find the joy and see the cuteness. 1 &amp; 2 year olds just aren't my jam. I survive those years, but not much else. On the other hand, the first year I love and it feels so precious to me. And at three, the boys certainly make me crazy sometimes, but I'm really starting to enjoy them again. They're hilarious and make up crazy stories and want to play "Baby animal" all the time where I'm the pet owner/trainer and they're the "Baby jaguar" or whatever animal they're obsessed with at the time. I get a huge kick out of their imaginations now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677193 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 11:52:15 +0000 gingerbebe 2677193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I have a 28 month old and an 8 month old. It's crazy around here but we prioritize sleep and naps and rest for EVERYONE. We have the kids on a schedule and half the days I take a short nap when the baby naps. DS1 is high energy but we have him in preschool, we hire a sitter on Saturday mornings to run him ragged at the park, and DH actually monitors my sleep to make sure I'm getting enough rest. I have had PPD and PPA for both boys and have a history of depression and anxiety issues so sleep deprivation is a massive exacerbating factor that I have to keep an eye on. So don't feel bad about doing whatever you need to do to make yourself feel better.</p> <p>The joys right now are watching my boys laugh and love on each other. DS1 is my independent non-touchy child but recently he's been just walking up and asking for hugs. He's also had some speech delays but recently had a huge language explosion so watching him learn words and use them is fascinating. The other morning I walked in to his room and he said "how are you?" I died. </p> <p>8 month old is clingy right now but he's also sooo happy when he's held so I'm just trying to enjoy the snuggles instead of being zapped from the whining. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677182 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 11:21:55 +0000 My Only Sunshine 2677182@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I have a 3 year old and an 8 month old, so similar stage. It is SO hard. I find it almost impossible to find joy if I'm really truly exhausted (as opposed to just my normal level of tired). In those cases I do whatever I need to do to get more sleep. Asking someone to take my kids so I can nap, having my husband take the first half of night duty and keep the monitor on his side of the bed, going to bed at 7 pm after my 3 year old. Getting rest helps me love my kids better.</p> <p>Here are some random things that have increased my joy:<br /> - At least one trip out of the house on my days at home alone with them.. If we're in the house together all day we all get feisty.<br /> - Pajama days. When things are getting really wild, I'll declare it pajama day and put the kids and myself into PJs, move the coffee table out of the way and pile all the blankets and pillows in the house on the floor of the living room. I'll turn on a movie and make popcorn for myself and the 3 year old and get out a ton of toys for the baby.<br /> - Baths. My kiddos both LOVE the bath and they're so cute and snuggly when they're clean. Also baths can take a super long time if you want - bubbles, bath crayons, and glow sticks make the experience a treat for the kiddos. I've been known to let my 3 year old have a sucker in the bath.<br /> - Coloring with my 3 year old. I got an adult coloring book to do while she does her Paw Patrol or whatever one. It's pretty fun! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677180 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 11:20:37 +0000 Truth Bombs 2677180@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I totally get the exhaustion. I have a 13 month old who hasn't slept through the night basically ever. He's sick all the time unless he's on antibiotics and we are about to start allergy and immunology work ups to find out what's going on. I also have a 4 year old daughter who is adorable but way too smart for her own good and a total negotiator/sass queen so she can wear me out. On top of that I have a full time job that's extremely stressful right now and a husband who works long hours. (To those above who SAH and think adding a job to the mix would lessen the stress I would caution you to really think through the pros and cons before making that change. Wearing two hats is hard). I know how hard it can be to do it all on limited sleep and lots of stress.</p> <p>However, I find joy every day. When my big girl loves on her baby brother, or when brother tries to say a new word, or someone gives me a random snuggle. If your children really and truly do not make you happy unless they are sitting down and being quiet, I think it's time to invest in some therapy. It seems like you've had a number of posts saying that you're really not happy with your current life situation, and I think you should take some action to improve that as much as possible. A bunch of strangers on the internet telling you what makes US feel joy, won't make you feel joy in those same things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677175 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 11:16:21 +0000 wrkbrk 2677175@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: What a great thread idea! Not a parenting moment, but I really loved the Hands Free books (there is a general one and one specific to mamas). Check them out. They have really helped me slow down and remember what's important. And it's not my instagram news feed or getting to work 45 seconds earlier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677154 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 10:48:12 +0000 Silva 2677154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There is a book called mitten strings for god. It's not particularly religious, but it is a book from the perspective of a parent who embraces a low/no media approach and she's a little preachy about that<br /> but- it's a great book. Short little chapters that are each a reflection on parenthood. I re read it when I'm struggling. The biggest take away for me is that it's easy to fall into this trap of thinking that the vacations, the performances, the parties, etc are the "happy" times of life. But we spend so much more of our time vacuuming and doing the dishes and wiping noses and reminded them that it's bed time. If we can learn to find joy in those acts, to see them as expressions of love, we can enjoy our lives so much more than if we only enjoy the big moments.</p> <p>That said, it's hard day in and day out. It's relentless. If you have time you might consider therapy, just as a way to reconnect with yourself and to rule out depression. Irritability can be a symptom.<br /> You are doing a great job! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677153 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 10:44:50 +0000 Mamaof2 2677153@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I feel ya! I've been there! Even when there were good moments they were overshadowed by the bad and so that's all I focused on -the bad!</p> <p>This is was I would suggest - get a jar - when something good happens (an unexpected hug, the girls playing well, someone slept all night) write it down and stick it in a jar - then when you are having a day when NOTHING seems to be good go empty the jar and remind yourself there are good times!</p> <p>Hang in there -It does get easier - my kids are 5 and 8 and I have so many more joyful moments now then I did when I was in the thick of parenting littles :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677148 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 10:39:40 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2677148@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: as far as transitioning from SAH to working mom...I did the part time nigh job thing for a while, then part time day, then went back for a second career. I just graduated in December and am planning to look for full time work this spring while I continue to work part time at night. LO1 is in preschool and LO2 is at home. DH will leave work early on the nights I work. Already we do self care nights and switch off as sitters for the other. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677146 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 10:35:07 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2677146@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meredithNYC: wow that's insane I also have the same age difference and yeah. I am cautiously optimistic that life is sweet (sweeter?) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677144 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 10:31:40 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2677144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me the easiest route to joy is getting outside. I think of self care as a life raft when I'm overwhelmed, but as far as actually experiencing joy as a parent, it is when I am outside with my kids. There's a park that sits beside a river in my town and I love to take my kids and watch them throw sticks in the water and watch my gross motor delayed kid attempt to climb up the playset. That's the type of childhood I always wanted to give my children and so it all clicks for me when I can give them that. I will say for me, the age separation you have right now was hardest. Those were dark survival days. I was at home with a 3.5 yo and a 9 month old and every day felt like an awful groundhog day. They had opposite nap schedules so many days we were stuck indoors until 4. My 3.5 was potty training and regularly I was pulling him out of restaurants, stores, etc., for bad behavior. Now that I am working again I look back at myself in pure amazement. I actually took both kids hiking solo...would accompany my husband on work travel and take the kids to lunch in the city...I don't do that anymore but I was so desperate to get out of the house that I would do about anything. I am glad that year is behind me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677133 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 10:16:03 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2677133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me it's about managing expectations. That helps me keep the joy in every day life. Without outside help my DH and I can't keep the house as neat as we could before we had DD. I had to decide if I was going to be constantly stressed out and driving myself crazy trying to do it all, or just accept that's what this stage of life looks like for us. Now I tell myself that it's ok if laundry doesn't get put away right away or that my office hasn't been organized in a few months. One day I'll have a spotless house again and I'll be sad because I'll miss the toys in the living room.</p> <p>I also try not to expect my DD to act like a mini adult, because she's just a toddler. She's going to get cranky, throw fits, poop in her diaper 5 minutes after I change her, and drop food on the floor. I try not to let any of it upset me. </p> <p>Like others have said self care is important. If I'm getting burned out I take some time away. DH does the same. Even if I'm not feeling like I need a break I still take time for myself. I've got a couple things planned just for me over the next couple of weeks. </p> <p>Watching DD explore, play, and accomplish new things makes me happy. When she runs up to me for a hug or snuggle and gives kisses without me asking. &lt;3 </p> <p>Getting enough sleep really helps too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677119 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 09:58:24 +0000 FaithFertility 2677119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsADS: Sleep is no joke! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677116 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 09:48:42 +0000 MrsADS 2677116@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have only one (16 months) and I find lots of joy... when he's sleeping at night. When he's up all night as he is recently, I get very nasty to everyone and extremely grumpy and miserable. I recognize it but have a hard time overcoming it. It is 100% tied to my sleep. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677109 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 09:33:46 +0000 FaithFertility 2677109@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gentlelunette: ughhh yes the love they give on their own!!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677107 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 09:30:32 +0000 gentlelunette 2677107@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I find the joy in the affection my daughter (22 months) shows me and her dad. She's starting asking for "family hugs" where we all squeeze together and then she'll yell out "family dweeeeeze" and I can just see the love in her face. </p> <p>I also find the joy in the moments when she just comes out with something that she obviously picked up through listening to our conversations. It never fails to make me laugh. The other day I was grunting and groaning (35 weeks pregnant) and she looked at me and said "Mommy heartburn" haha. Clearly I complain about that too much. </p> <p>I also find so much joy in watching her and my husband together. It makes me heart swell to see them playing or chatting. </p> <p>On days when I'm overwhelmed and exhausted, it's really hard to see those moments though. I read an interesting article about burnout yesterday and i could relate to a lot of it. It sounds like you're experiencing some of that too, and maybe taking steps to look after yourself and fill your own cup will help you find the joy more easily. It's not easy, but it's so necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677105 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 09:27:51 +0000 meredithNYC 2677105@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hang on, you are close to things getting better! I have a 4 year old and a 21 month old and honestly, within the past month it has gotten really good. They are better able to play and they actually hang out and have fun together. Not always, but a good amount of the time. I literally just told my husband last night that I feel really good about things right now and for an eternal pessimist such as myself, that's not a frequent occurrence :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677082 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 08:55:49 +0000 FaithFertility 2677082@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Being a parent is no joke. I find my joys come from random moments. My first that I can think of is when DD was about 5-6 months old, we would go on the porch everyday and 'listen" for the birdies and when I would hear one I would always say ohhh that is a birdie. One morning we were out there and a bird chirped and before I could say anything she turned look at me with this huge grin like "mom did you hear the birdie!' :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677081 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 08:51:09 +0000 Anagram 2677081@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: Awww...Sometimes I just want to give you a hug/wine/girls night/weekend away/babysitter.</p> <p>As PPs have said, having young kids is hard. There's no doubt about that. But also, I don't want to be a Pollyanna about this, but I find joy every single day in parenting. Even on the hard days. Like yesterday, my littler one (who is the high maintenance personality in our family) was just semi awful for no reason. Wouldn't eat, very fussy, tantrums all day, up half the night. But we still had a good hour where we had crazy fun because we were playing chase in the house and the rules were I had to hold dd2 and run, so my speed would more closely match dd1. So we were chasing each other around and screaming with laughter. That was my exercise for the day.</p> <p>I know you've said in the past you struggle with anxiety and/or depression. I think. Is it possible you need meds, or your meds need adjusting? You have a challenging older child and some of your descriptions about feeling joyless make me think you need a little adjustment--and there's no shame in that!</p> <p>One other thing--you seem to put a lot of pressure on yourself. To do all the house chores, to be a great mom. You've posted a bit about your own mom, so I absolutely see why you want to be different/better. But you can't do it all. I also know you've said you can't relax and have fun until chores are done, and that because of your husband's health issues you do a lot of solo parenting. I do think to avoid burnout you have to figure out some configuration where you can have chores done AND have time to enjoy your kids. Maybe a house cleaner every other week? If you can't make that happen, then as PPs have said, know that this is a stage, and at some point your girls will be older and won't need you anymore.</p> <p>One benefit of me working in education is that I see every spectrum of parent/child dynamics. I see the uninvolved, the downright abusive, the helicopters, the overindulgent, the amazing parents. And seeing that huge spectrum makes me realize that even on my worst days, I am better that so many parents out there. And you are, too! Just the fact that you spend so much time on a parenting website, trying to fine tune your parenting tells me that. I mean, my god I work with kids whose mom is in jail, and whose dad shuttles them to various friends/family members to spend the night, where they may have to sleep in a living room on the floor with a tv blaring, where they have no stability, where they don't know where they'll be sleeping each night. You are miles and miles and miles ahead and you are doing a good job. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677079 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 08:49:36 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2677079@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mornings are the best. Since December LO has co-slept. He wakes up and is all smiles to see me next to him. We have fun during the morning diaper change and clothes change. I make funny voices and sing songs as we go through the steps and he just loves it. </p> <p>When 7 pm rolls around though I have the biggest case of the sleepies, but can't do anything about it. LO is UP!, DH wants to talk, and everyone needs to eat. I'm drinking 3 cups of home brewed coffee a day!</p> <p>I live for Saturdays because all day and the next day is an obligation free morning. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677075 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 08:38:55 +0000 FaithFertility 2677075@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ajsmommy: Your nights sound so relaxing!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677063 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 08:04:24 +0000 Ajsmommy 2677063@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am due to have #2 in 2 months/less so I am really trying to focus on the happy moments with DD. Some of those times are on weekends when I can go get her out of bed (I can't during the week bc I leave the house too early) but on the weekends I crawl in with her and she gets so happy its me, she snuggles in and rubs my arm or face :heart: . I also always look forward to picking her up from daycare, most days she runs and jumps into my arms saying "it's my momma" She's so proud I am there and I'm her momma she points it out to everyone. I also try to enjoy our dinners together, her and I share a bench so she'll scoot close to me while we eat. And after dinner when we lounge on our couch and watch tv/play. We have tons of blankets and pillows and we just veg out, build forts and have fun. Bedtime is another favorite time bc it's just her and I... although at 3 she has become the ultimate procrastinator.. I still love this time and try not to get angry/mad at her stalling techniques.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677058 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 07:45:26 +0000 Foodnerd81 2677058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Modern Daisy: reminding myself that she is only 3 is huge for me. She is so verbal and understands so much, it's easy for me to forget how hard things are for her and how young she is, especially when I am comparing her to the baby. Actually watching her get herself dressed is a good reminder for me that she's so young and everything is a challenge. She's just learning to do buttons so watching that is kind of frustrating and kind of adorable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677057 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 07:42:08 +0000 Foodnerd81 2677057@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I am in largely the same boat as you. I want to enjoy things more but I'm so darn tired and burnt out. Like @Mrs. Lion: I know it comes down to taking better care of myself, but I don't even know where to start with that. When I get away for a couple of hours I usually feel better, after I have a little chance to miss them, but it doesn't happen often. One thing that really helps is I have several really good friends with kids the same ages and we are all feeling the same. Like yesterday three of us were admitting we seriously considered going back to work (we all sah) because we felt like the kids would be better off with a caregiver that wasn't us. We want to be with them but we are so tired. So knowing it's not just me helps a little. </p> <p>But thing I take joy in- when my two girls act super cute with each other. Like when the baby wakes up and c goes in to her room before me and I hear her soothing her, saying things like "there there, it's ok, I'm here now" and singing to her. Or when g just lights up and laughs at what c is doing or they are crawling around and laughing and hugging each other. </p> <p>G just turned a year and is starting to sleep through the night more often, which also helps. But her birthday really was a little bittersweet because I feel like I spent most of this year just barely surviving and I'm sad I couldn't enjoy it more. And I know that as hard as the first year is, 3 year olds might be even worse... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677056 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 07:41:54 +0000 Modern Daisy 2677056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree that you can't really enjoy parenting when you are so deprived of sleep. It puts me into a rage when people tell me to enjoy this time so I will never say that to parents of young children! It f-ing sucks. Anyway as Lion pointed out, self care is key. I also needed to go back to work just to get a break. We hire sitters and take anyone up on offers to watch the kids so we can get out. And getting out of the bedtime grind once in a while is sweet wonderful bliss that I can't recommend enough!</p> <p>I also have to keep reminding myself that DS 1 is only 3 and I should stop expecting him to have the maturity of a 35 year old. Sounds silly but just remembering that every once in a while really does help! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677051 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 07:27:08 +0000 honeybear 2677051@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In the infant and toddler phase, I liked watching my son express joy about life. Toddlers are pretty relentless little hedonists. :silly: One of the things I enjoyed the most at that stage was reading to my child. We usually read in bed, so it was physically comfortable, and it felt like such a productive thing to do, too. (Still does!) And watching him learn new things never gets old. </p> <p>Now that he's 6, I think that most of life with him is pretty fun. Except teeth-brushing. That's more tolerable because he's more cooperative, but still a pain. ;) </p> <p>As for housework, after an internal struggle about standards and so forth, I let some of it go for a while when LO was a baby and toddler. I made sure that our house was clean, but I let tidiness slide. That part does get easier when you have a slightly older child, because they'll help. Three year-olds can help to a certain extent, but they require a lot more supervision than a 5 or 6 year-old, so it's almost-but-not-quite actual help with chores at that point. Also, in a few years you will find you have considerably more time on your hands for intense cleaning and other things because your 5 or 6 year-old will be engaged in doing something else (playing, reading, etc.) and won't need you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-does-joy-in-parenting-look-like-for-you-what-are-those-moments-of-happiness#post-2677047 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 06:33:45 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2677047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a long time feeling like this and for me it came down to self care. It sounds cliche, but when im so tired and overwhelmed I take it out on everyone around me. The joy came back when I took some pressure off.</p> <p>For me this means going back to work instead of being a SAHM. Also, one night a week i dont come home after work. DH beings the kids home and does the evening with them and i run errands or meet a friend for dinner..i just take some time for myself. Just in the last few weeks I started exercising again and that has helped too. </p> <p>Also, hearing from people further down the road from me that this season is REALLY HARD and it will eventually get easier has helped me a lot. The feeling that this would never end because parenting is just hard was soul crushing. But there is something about sleep deprivation....it is torture. </p> <p>Hang in there momma. You are doing a great job. </p>