How do I regain my enthusiasm for parenting? I've had enough!?

I have a big age gap between my kids.My first two are 21+17 and the kids from my second marriage are 5+6.I think I have 'parenting fatigue' I find myself looking at the prospect of doing this for another 15 yrs and feeling nothing but dread.I was so happy when I had them although the youngest was a bit of a shock! I just didn't expect to feel like this.Obviously,handing in my notice isn't an option! So how do I fix this?How do I regain my enthusiasm for parenting? I've had enough!?
I must admit I had a hard time trying to find a reason why you should not throw in the towel,since I know just how you feel, but let me offer this for you,, simply reverse the roles and pretend you are the 5 or 6 year old and you hear your mom say she is tired of you :) how would that make you feel ? :)





second motivator, how did the 1st two turn out if good then make these two great , if there is something you wished you had done diffrently, now is the chance to do it,, either way, watch a good episode of Deal or no deal and then start the mommy job all over again :) good luck and take care.How do I regain my enthusiasm for parenting? I've had enough!?
Anti depressants.
It sounds like you might be a bit over-whelmed and depressed. Talk to your doctor and try to schedule some time to yourself every week to re-charge your batteries. You aren't as young as you used to be and that might be part of the problem as well. Talk to your 21 yr old...see if he/she can help you out a bit with some babysitting time...or taking the kids to a movie %26amp; MacDonalds once a month your treat. Take it all one day at a time. Quit looking into the future....that would depress anyone~! Hang in there it will get better....school's only out for a couple of months!!!
In the time you get off house work and time to yourself in the evenings, you need to remember what it was like when you had your first 2 at that age. Obviously, I dont know you personally, but I think it is really important to interact as much as possible with your kids, and that means you reverting back to that age yourself. If I were you, I'd get out the finger paints, the easybake oven, and take them on some outings just for *them*, like maybe to the park, or even to a zoo etc (though obviously not at the same time). You'll find out how much fun it is not only for them, but also for you whether you care to admit that or not. You'll get a huge enjoyment out of seeing your kids happy, and I think that that willl give you a huge boost of parent esteem.





Other than that, I'd just say enjoy them... Kids are great (I dont have any of my own, but I have been a nursery nurse for 2 years, and now I'm an IT teacher in a special school and have been for 3 yrs).





Good luck, and above all just have fun! x
This is what I do to escape parenting fatigue (I have one and am pregnant with number two)





One night a week I put my son in bed early. (Around 8 pm)


Then I escape to my own little world. A world of adult immagination, and fun. Sometimes it's the internet, others its just listening to music. My favorite is a bubble bath with smell good candles and insence with the lights out. I bring a good book and play soft music. (a soft, slow, classiacal song will send you into a very deep relaxation).





Also, I save $25 a week. And when I feel I've had about as much as I can handle, I take all that money i've saved and go shopping with it. I treat myself. Us stay at home moms, we need something for ourselves too.





It's not being selfish, it's taking what you need to keep your sanity.





And always remember that talking to other moms who are going through the same thing works too. If you want to chat with someone you can email me at catcrazy07@comcast.net
I think it's great that you are asking this question... you know, being real and looking for help and support. I suggest that you do this with friends face to face. Online line support isn't as valuable as direct friendship. It's good to have a friend or two who you can talk to weekly about real life struggles. This can help encourage and keep us on track.
I have twin 10 year old daugters and a 12 year old son. My new husband wants to have a baby and I don't want to deny him of that. But I fear I will go through what you are going through. Rediscover your children. Or maybe get a part time job to get out of the house more. You seem to appreciate your children more when you are away from them time to time. Good luck
I think the answer is to just basically see that these children are beautiful human beings and that they deserve a good childhood and a supportive mother. I know parenting may seem a bit of a pain in the backside sometimes but i suggest, (please dont take this the wrong way) that maybe you do a google search for images on the country of loas and it will give you a bit more inspiration and make you feel a bit better about your situation as you dont live there and your life isnt like that and you have the ability to provide for these lovely human beings. Parenting is a pain but it can also be fun, you have to make friends with your children