Venting... solidarity... I dont know

I am just exhausted, mentally and physically as a mom. By the time the weekend rolls around I know it will be entertaining the kids for 2 straight days with no breaks, some days it feels like a long stretch to 7 pm bedtime I want to enjoy being a mom and playing with my kids but I just loathe it right now.
When does it get "better" or how does it get better? Kids are 7 and 3. No real family support for breaks it just adds more stress then help sadly

I’m sure it’s hard. I remember those days it’s exhausting. But when they are gone, you will miss them. Take it from someone who has three children in their 20s. Enjoy every second because it goes faster than you think it will.

I feel you! I love my kids madly (same age as yours), but when it feels like you’re always on, it is really hard. Some of this will be repeats but here is my list:

1. You and your husband should each get at least an hour a day (on weekends) to do something fulfilling (for us, this is usually working out because it helps us to mentally manage the kids! But sometimes for me it’s decorating, shopping, etc.).
2. My 3 year old naps, my 7 year old has “independent time”. She can do whatever she wants during this time as long as it doesn’t require constant help and it is safe :). She fights it sometimes, but usually ends up doing something creative that she is really proud of.
3. Planning ahead has helped me tremendously (particularly when my husband travels and I have no breaks). Go to the dollar or craft store and get some stuff and sprawl it on the kitchen table and tell the kids to make something. Or create an obstacle course or a treasure hunt for them to do. There are a million ideas on Pinterest or elsewhere. It feels “new” to them and they are excited about it… and should allow you to sit down!
4. Play dates with parents you like. The kids tend to entertain each other. We do this with other couples or neighbors a lot so we can turn it into a pizza and drinks type of thing and enjoy ourselves too.
5. Activities. If you have the money, sign them up for a few things. It helps everyone to get out of the house which is a game changer for moods and energy. Also a bonus when I take my daughter to practice.. I watch for a bit and then walk laps around the field/track to get some exercise.
6. Get them involved in what you like to do. I am an athlete so I enjoy playing sports with the kids. I also engage them in cleaning and cooking sometimes. Artsy stuff too… I draw for fun so I got my daughter a sketchpad and now we do it together. My son (the 3 year old) is starting to get into it also.
7. You can also tell them you need a few minutes because you’re human to! My kids will complain there bored but they will eventually do something and sometimes it’s the most fun things. Boredom = creativity.

Hope this helps!

I tell my kids (a couple years older than yours) that I am not their cruise director. You should not be spending your entire weekend entertaining your kids!

I feel this deeply. I have a very specific weekday structure that helps me get through: play time, dinner, bath, bed. On repeat 4 nights a week. Weekends I do utilize an hour of technology for “me time” and I DO NOT do chores during that time. When your little reaches 5yo I noticed a shift with my own toward more independent play inside and outside that allowed me to step away.

Give them screen time to catch a break. Can your 7 yr old entertain the 3 so you get a break? If 3 yr old naps, have 7 yr old do quiet time/reading time during those couple hours.

I feel this too! I find that having play dates (with parents you like) on the weekend helps. You get a break, they get to play with friends. Weekdays are exhausting. My spouse has a long commute and I have a busy job (don’t we all if we’re in this app) so the pressure to get the kids to bed and hop back online adds stress.
I’m always looking for a better evening routine and I find that if the kids like books at bedtime that it can be a motivator for bed but I’m still at a loss with my middle one. My kids are ages 6, 4 and 10 months. The 4 year old is the tough one. Maybe it’s the age?