Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

Let me start off by saying that I have 3 kids 3.5 and under and I get that things shouldn't be " easy"
However I feel like I have no patience
Some days I literally can't stand the chaos. Like under my skin want to cry (sometimes I do) can't stand
The whining and hanging on me gets to me so bad some days. I have a short fuse and feel like I am not myself anymore.
I work 4 days a week and at work I find the same thing. I have no patience with my co workers
I feel like the old me is gone and replaced by a high strung, not nice person.
Is this normal or do I need help

Re: Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

normal. as they get older im sure it will get better.

Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

IMO not normal. It would be normal if it was only in one part of you life but because you have a short fuse with everyone I would say issue and I'd speak to someone.

Re: Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

I hope it's normal! Lol I feel the same way lately. I have been so short and have such little patience, then the kids go to bed and I feel so guilty for being like that! Ugh!

Re: Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

It sounds like me when I don't get enough sleep, over an extended period of time.

I just don't do very well. Very impatient, easily frustrated.

It could be fatigue, catching up to you.

Re: Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

I don't know if its normal or not but my twins are 4 and I still feel that way at home and yes it has spilled over into work but I work with kids so I feel like I never escape

Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

I think it's normal. Either way Im right there with you. Same situation, 3 kids 3.5 and under. I don't work though but I notice I'm much quicker to snap at my husband when I've had a bad day with the kids. It's so rough. My 2 year old is actually the one that pushes me over the edge lately. Hang in there, remember it won't be like this forever.

Re: Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

I don't know if it's "normal" or not, but I really can't blame you. Does your DH help out? I get really agitated when I feel like I'm taking care of everyone including DH and the dog and he doesn't pitch in that much.

Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

I don't think its "not normal" but I do think talking to someone would help!

Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

I know it may be hard but I think setting an hour or two a week just for you time will help. I don't have children but work a VERY stressful job and was finding myself the same way and one day DH was like "are you just a mean miserable person all the time now, " and then I realized omg this isn't me I was always easy going and agreeable but I took some time to reflect and realized all day I cater to patents of disabled children and they have a short fuse trying to get their child services in turn I'm angry they give me a hard time and I pass it along to everyone. Now twice a week I chose to go to yoga before I even go home and get caught up in stuff. I find I'm happier and I'm much more pleasant to be around just having time alone. If it's possible try an hour or two a week to just be alone I think it will really help! :)

Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

I do not think the change is normal. If you feel you are acting high strung and it is effecting your personality you should think about setting some time aside for yourself like pp suggested and possibly talking to someone who can help you with stress management.

Re: Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

I think it's normal as in, it's not uncommon to feel this way. However, that doesn't mean you need to continue going on like this.

I wish I could give tips for finding time for relaxation, but I could use the tips myself! I don't have three kids so obviously for me it's a different situation, but I look forward to my self time at night and my time to sleep in late on a Saturday morning. (My dh and I share weekend mornings for sleeping in)

Re: Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

If it's not normal someone should commit me. My 3 kids are 6, almost 5 and 1 month. It takes very little to set me off. Add to it you are working, I know for me I feel like if I don't do something I enjoy even if it's just 1 hour, a cup of coffee at a diner with my mom, something, anything... I'm going to fall down and die pretty soon. I'm sorry, I'm not a fan of work is "me time", it's not! My thoughts are talking to someone may help, but getting a break from it all may make a difference. However, for me finding someone to watch all 3 of my kids is impossible. So I suck it up hoping in about 5 years maybe I can get something in for myself.

Re: Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

Depends on your past. Have you always been like this or is it new?

Re: Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

What is normal? You are reacting to your own situation and your perception of it as overwhelming. I understand what you're feeling. If you are concerned, consider talking to a professional to deal with your cope skills. It'd also be good to get some time for yourself anyway!

Re: Normal mommy stress or is something wrong with me?

Thanks everyone for your responses.

To answer some questions: yes this is fairly new however my youngest has also become very mobile and pretty dangerous (climbing etc) recently so I can't leave him alone for a second. This I know adds to my stress.

I am going to get back into running etc for "me" time. I know that will help and if not I will look into speaking with someone.

thanks again