Frustration Management...

Roz - posted on 10/02/2010 ( 3 moms have responded )

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Hi guys. I'm new to this group but can already see it'll be a godsend in keeping my sanity :-)

I'm finding it frustrating at the minute as my one year old daughter is very clingy at home, and won't leave me alone for a minute. If I'm sitting on the couch she's clamboring up to join me and she follows me out of the room and I can't even go to the loo in peace. The odd thing is as soon as we're out anywhere she is not bothered where I am and is more than happy to go off on her own into another room if we're at a friends house.

All this means I can't get any jobs done around the house. Her routine is pretty set (but not guaranteed) and her two hour nap between 12 and 2 is a haven...but I'm usually too strung out by that point and have too much to do to enjoy it.

I know I am very lucky to be able to stay at home with my daughter and not have to go back to work and I do enjoy playing with her and taking her out places so she is not starved for attention. I now feel wretched that I have raised my voice at her several times over the past few weeks as she will not leave me alone.

My husband is lovely but works hard and is often not home until gone 8 at night, and although is pretty supportive at the weekend he has to be cajolled into it and spends a lot of time working on his blackberry. I have a good network of friends (and a good friend who is fantastic with my daughter as she fits right into her family) but I can't be round there all the time. All in all I know how lucky I am and how this must sound like bliss to a lot of people experiencing more serious and complicated issues than this one and I should stop whining.

I have always had a bit of a temper but I don't want to take it out on my daughter for only doing what normal babies do. Any tips to manage frustration and anger greatly appreciated.

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3 Comments

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Heather - posted on 10/04/2010

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My daughter is now 5 and she went through a very similar situation what I can tell you from experience is the good point of what your going through is my daughter did become a very independent child and now is 50 50 at home 50% of the time she wants me and 50% of the time shes like oh mom i want to play by myself! so it will get better but in the mean time try and find a project that is a 1 person project for her to do on her own so that way she will learn to be independent at home a bit (not all the time but a little bit) and it will give you some breathing room and down time. im a stay home mom and feel exactly how you feel its the best thing in the world but sometimes you just need a bit of time to yourself to take a breather....good luck and stock up on 1 person crafts or projects!!!

Jane - posted on 10/02/2010

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maybe she's bored at home. try some Crayola paints, they're non-toxic and easy to clean up. or even food coloring and water. set her up at the table w/some paper and let her entertain herself.

Roz - posted on 10/02/2010

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Can I just add I have never struck, smacked or shaken her in my frustration but I am fed up of shouting...