I can't stand my children any more

Shouting, crying, squabbling… Add to that the exhaustion, the stress of work, and the ever-growing pile of household chores. It can very quickly lead you to think "I can't stand my children any more!" And this kind of overwhelm does not only happen to other people, believe us!

Help — I can't stand my children any more!

It is hard to admit to yourself that you are struggling to cope with your children. Daring to admit it to others is yet another matter entirely! For fear of being judged or misunderstood, you keep quiet. Yet silence has never been a solution when it comes to a sense of distress.

It is important to know that any parent can reach their breaking point! Children can be difficult to manage at times. And depending on our home and work environment, many factors can amplify this.

There are many signs that can point to parental depression. Because yes, this is not something to take lightly. Being fed up with your children is one thing — it passes. But when it goes on over time and starts to take on proportions that feel beyond your control, we can even speak of parental burnout.

Signs that may point to parental burnout

Here are a few signs to look out for:

• Losing your temper quickly
• Feeling stressed
• Intense, persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest
• The feeling that even the smallest daily task is insurmountable
• Difficulty falling asleep, or insomnia
• It can also manifest in your libido, with a drop in desire
• Being demanding about everything and feeling that nothing is done properly, that nothing goes to plan
• Turning to food for comfort, or conversely, eating less
• Withdrawing, seeing friends less

A few words of advice for those thinking "I can't stand my children any more"

If you are aware that something is not right, that is already a huge step! It is, in fact, the first step on the road to recovery.

It is vital to talk about it — to your partner, a loved one, or even a healthcare professional. The most important thing is that you feel heard, not judged.

Beyond that, we can only encourage you to recharge your batteries. Take time for yourself, listen to your own needs. This does not necessarily mean doing things alone. Go out for a meal with a friend, plan a film night and order a lovely takeaway with your partner. In short: let off some steam!

Finally, when it comes back to the children, try to focus on something positive they did during the day. If we concentrate only on the negatives, we think negatively. And you need positivity right now!