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submitted 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) by Cheery@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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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[-] LemsGhost@lemmy.ml 2 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

No at some point if they're shitty kids like me they'll blame you for everything. I'm sorry about your depression.

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[-] bradorsomething@ttrpg.network 1 points 2 weeks ago

Mine are teens now, here are a few pointers:

Let them help with the dishes/garbage/sweeping. I know they’ll make a bigger mess now, but in a few years they take well to chores.

When they start asking questions, always treat them with respect like they’re a smart person who’s missing a chunk of knowledge.

How you respond to falls and failures shapes their lives. When they fall, ask if they need help up. If they ask if it’s okay, say it’s going to be okay. When they mess up, ask if they can help you clean up without going into blame, other than discussing how to avoid that in the future.

[-] butsbutts@lemmy.ml 1 points 3 weeks ago

yes when they move out

[-] luthis 1 points 3 weeks ago

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 3 weeks ago

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 2 points 3 weeks ago

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 3 weeks 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.

[-] pulsewidth@lemmy.world 1 points 3 weeks ago

Take as many photos and videos as you can, you will miss the silly things they say and do when they're small, and you're kinda sleep deprived so you forget stuff.. They'll also love watching younger versions of themselves saying and doing crazy things when they're older. And yeah, it gets easier every year generally - depends on the kid though, we're all different 🙂

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[-] ratrace@lemmy.zip -1 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

NO! Rise up for your kids. Playing it safe is a death sentance. "Functional unemployment" nearing 25% in U.S., analysis finds

[-] UltraGiGaGigantic@lemmy.ml -4 points 2 weeks ago

I dont think I would ever stop mourning the future I forced upon my hypothetical child.

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this post was submitted on 07 Sep 2026
80 points (97.6% liked)

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