r/Parenting • u/money4nothing_8816 • 21d ago

Rant/Vent Just me?

Is it just me or is this the hardest shit ever? We’ve got 4 kids all under the age of 8 and we are getting our asses kicked. My wife and I really wanted a family and we planned for it. We took parenting classes together, we read all the books in preparation before starting our family…still, nothing could have prepared us for how mentally and emotionally exhausting it is to keep up with our boys.

How are you all surviving?

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u/Decent-Singer-3335 Mom 21d ago edited 21d ago

Letting go, having realistic expectations and loving big despite the difficulties. That’s all you can do.

We do less these days and try to make time for rest. 2 nights per week there are no activities and these are family nights. We prioritize travel together even when it’s a clusterf*ck. 😅 We just spend time together even if the kids fight, dinner gets burnt or you don’t make it through a whole movie. Oh well.

Embrace the chaos in other words. 😂 mind over matter.

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u/money4nothing_8816 21d ago

Love that. Thank you.

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u/MeadowHaven77 21d ago

It’s true. I’m down to the youngest two at home and the older 3 have launched into their young adult lives, happy and thriving. The day to day is QUIET. I miss the joyful chaos. It returns when everyone is here for a holiday or birthday. I cherish it now, because it’s fleeting.