Hi Everyone

I love my son, he’s a great kid. Being a parent is hard work though.

People say, you always look so happy. I’m not necessarily, I just don’t want to pass my trauma onto my son.

Got to take care of the dogs. Got to take care of the house, got to take care of the kid. Barely get to speak with other adults. And with a toddler not yet talking, it’s quiet and lonely. Everyone is busy taking care of their own kids at baby classes. Not much time to myself, only when he’s in bed really. And I’m so tired that I don’t really want to do much.

My son tries to help with the housework. He seems to think I do it for fun. He delights in making a mess only to try and pretend to clean it up later on. The vacuum cleaner is his favourite, he seems to like the washing machine too.

Today he chose to play in his room by himself for a short time. That’s a first! I have been trying to encourage it in a non-pressured way putting his noisiest most fun toys in his room. I left the door open and had a peek in to check on him. He’s really enjoying his room at the moment, loves to play in his pop up tunnel and tent. Pretend to ride his trike (his legs are not long enough to reach the pedals yet).

Cost of living is nuts. Food is the most expensive thing, even more expensive than rent. We try and eat relatively healthily. I don’t buy him new toys or clothes. He goes through clothes so quickly. I buy everything used. Unless it is for hygiene reasons. The prams and his bed are the most expensive things, we figure he will use them for a couple of years. But it all adds up. I didn’t realize that children were so expensive.

He loves to brush his teeth and wash his hands. We’re working on hygiene as part of a potty routine and also because we get sick every month now.

It is hard getting sick so often. The last thing you want to do is to take care of a child. But you do it anyway. The tv does get turned on for those days.

He is a little addict. Always wants what is bad for him. He would stand like a zombie in front of the tv if we let him. He would refuse to eat everything but his treats if we let him. He would eat a tube of toothpaste and kill himself given the opportunity. I think he just has a zest for life. Everything is new and exciting.

I’m trying to encourage talking. He always used to scream when he wanted something. It is time for him to use his words.

Thank goodness for the internet. I don’t know where I would be without it. I read studies and all sorts about the right things to do. Different parenting techniques, trying to solve problems. Good lord, I don’t have any natural instincts of my own. I’m lazy (or more accurately just tired), I’d prefer to be told what to do than go through the hard work of figuring things out by myself. I’m okay with that. 😂

I’ve never had a day off. I’m burnt out. Just trying to keep things ticking over.

Not even allowed to laugh at funny things anymore. When your kid learns to do spit takes with water and you laugh they will do it over and over again. To the point where they soak themselves, everything and everyone around them.

He’s developing his empathy nicely. He accidentally bumped our old dog who grumbled in protest. Then he said sorry! I’m trying to develop his theory of mind, teaching him that other people have unique likes and dislikes. Trying to teach him to share and take turns without stressing him out. Key thing here. Without stressing him out.

I recently learned that most parents shout at their children. It is seen as normal, even by psychologists, as long as it doesn’t happen all of the time. I still haven’t yet. I don’t like shouting because of my PTSD. I hope that I can avoid it for as long as possible.

He can swim with floats and me supporting him. He kicks his legs and moves his arms at the same time! Just started doing it this week.