I'm at a loss. I feel like a hostage most days. My 14 month old needs literally undivided attention. I cant even pee without him throwing a fit. I don't do anything but sit on the floor with him ALL day. And half that time he's just whining. Sometimes i think he just doesn't want me. I can't wash a dish without him crying for attention. Don't get me wrong, I do what I gotta do...but it comes at a cost. I'm stressed. My nerves are shot. I've been in childcare my whole life...nannying ...babysitting. I never dealt with a child who wouldn't play independently for at least a little while throughout the day but my son has no interest whatsoever. I have a big playpen, if I even walk away it's a complete meltdown. I understand separation issues but he does great in daycare. He does great at grandma's. I can't wear him, he's 32 lbs. This is more a vent. I know there's no true answer. I'm just spent. Idk what I'm doing wrong. I want to put my head through a wall by the end of the day. He naps great, sleeps through the night most nights. Eats drinks well. Everything is fine otherwise. Mama is just spent. Days that I can, we go to the park and play. He's great. sometimes I think he hates my house. It's small. When I'm couped up like this it's really hard. This CANNOT be my entire winter.
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I wish I had some wisdom, but I feel the exact same way a lot of the time. It really stinks. I’m sorry you’re feeling this way too❤️

I completely understand. My 13 month old can be the same way. Our house is also tiny! Every baby is different but we got a wooden learning tower (all the sides are wood too) and that has really been helping me with productivity. At least for prepping food and doing the dishes she seems to be more content there and my arms get a little break. I know that won’t fix everything but it might help a little in the kitchen?

I have a similar experience to Maggie. There are times when my son is being super clingy but I would say at least half of those times he just wants to see what I’m doing and be a part of it. The learning tower is great for those times. It might take me 10 minutes to wash three dishes but at least I’m washing dishes and my son is “helping”

I’m so sorry to hear you are going through this. My heart goes out to you because at least my 14 month old will play independently IF I put on the tv in the background while she’s in the playpen. If she’s out roaming she will play independently no tv required but I can’t get anything done and watch her at the same time. I feel like I can’t get anything done ever so I can only imagine how you must be feeling. All children all different and some require more hands on attention then others. Try different things and see what works.
Eventually you will figure out a system that works for you but I definitely feel your pain. I can’t get anything done either it seems even with my child is content in the playpen at times But trying different things out helps and sometimes I find ways to make her content ie; Swapping out her toys, giving her snacks to eat while she plays or putting on a bubble machine while she’s playing. Maybe Try some of those out to see if they help any.

My son is like this and we live with my in laws in a very full house but even if there’s someone else in the room he screams the minute I walk away to go to the kitchen or bathroom. Sometimes I just bring him with me and other times I just let him whine because I know I’ll be right back. I don’t have any advice on how to stop or reduce it though

My 13 y old loves watching me clean and cook.

what learning tower did you get?

Baby wearing
@Amanda my son is 32 pounds. Very challenging to baby wear.
I've considered learning tower if I can get one for free. I'm currently laid off searching for work and can't afford a purchase like that right now. Plus it's risky because my kitchen is SUPER narrow. Let's just say everyday I say,"What were these people thinking building this house like this?"

Thanks for posting this. It’s a relief to know someone else can’t get anything done. I feel like I’m a year behind on housework.