A Day in the Life of a Mum Pulling Her Hair Out

Some days, the small humans we’re here to nurture seem to be working against us. It’s that season again: packed schedules, events, and never-ending to-do lists, all conspiring to throw the boys’ routines into disarray. And wow, am I paying for it.

As a mum of two little ones and pregnant with a third, my energy levels are already low. Between morning sickness, uncomfortable sleep, and what feels like a permanent state of exhaustion, my patience is hanging on by a thread. The days feel long and heavy, and right now, I’m definitely pulling my hair out.

Surviving the Two-Year-Old Whine Fest

Let’s start with my two-year-old. There must be some kind of developmental leap happening, because he’s as clumsy and miserable as I’ve ever seen him. Growing pains are no joke. He’s constantly losing his balance, tripping over his own feet, and the tiniest of bumps sends him into a tailspin of tears. He’s overtired, he’s overstimulated, and he just won’t stop whining.

Every little thing seems to set him off, and all I can do is try to soothe him while simultaneously holding myself together. The whining is relentless; it’s like living with a little alarm system that goes off every two minutes. And while I know it’s all part of him growing and finding his footing, it’s draining. For both of us.

A Battle at Bedtime with the One-Year-Old

Then there’s my one-year-old. He’s right in the thick of a sleep regression, and let’s just say it’s winning. He’s suddenly decided that bedtime is a hill he’s willing to die on. Last night was a three-hour ordeal to get him to finally drift off, and each time I thought he was asleep, he’d pop right back up, ready to continue the battle. He’s trying to drop his morning nap, but hasn’t yet adjusted to staying awake longer in the day. So he’s overtired by the evening, making bedtime a full-blown wrestling match.

It’s tough for me to watch him struggle with something as basic as sleep but it’s also tough on me, as I try to keep a steady front, even as my patience and energy reserves wear thin. When the clock shows bedtime is getting closer and I know I’m about to face another night of the sleep-wars, I can feel my anxiety rising.

A Mum on the Edge

So, this leaves a very grumpy stay-at-home mum. My energy is sapped before I even make it to noon most days. I find myself yearning for that first (and maybe only) quiet cup of tea that often has to wait until everyone is finally down for the night. I’m trying my best to be present, but some days, I feel like I’m running on fumes, and the cycle of exhaustion is just exhausting in itself.

All the while, my amazing husband is working harder than ever, juggling his 9-to-5 (which, let’s be real, is rarely 9-to-5 these days) and the intense demands of starting his own business. This is a busy season for him too, and while he’s here whenever he can be, the reality is that we’re both so tired.

Some days I look around and feel like I’m standing on the edge of a highway, waiting for the traffic to slow so I can cross to the other side. I know so many other mums out there get this: the heaviness that comes with trying to keep the house running, the kids happy (or at least fed and clothed), and somehow finding moments for myself along the way. Right now, my own needs feel buried under mountains of toddler tantrums, teething pain, and the never-ending mess that comes with small kids.

Learning to Find the Small Wins

In the middle of it all, though, I’m learning to appreciate the little things and to recognise them as wins because they are. Sometimes the victories are as simple as a cuddle that stops a meltdown or the triumphant moment when everyone naps at the same time. It’s easy to lose sight of these moments, but when I do take a step back, I see that they’re what keep me going.

So often, it’s the small connections that pull me through: a shared smile with my two-year-old after a particularly rough patch, the sound of his laughter when he gets caught up in a silly game, or watching my one-year-old finally sink into a deep, restful sleep (even if it took three hours to get there). These moments remind me why I do this and why it’s all worth it, even on the hardest days.

Remembering That It’s All a Phase

Something I try to remind myself of constantly (especially when things feel overwhelming) is that this season won’t last forever. Kids grow, routines change, and these challenging phases eventually give way to easier times. My little ones won’t always be two and one. Eventually, they’ll find their balance, their sleep patterns will settle, and the whiny, clingy days will ease.

Motherhood comes in waves. Right now, I’m in the middle of a particularly challenging one, but I know that somewhere down the line, I’ll look back on these days with different eyes. Maybe even with a bit of nostalgia. Because even though it’s hard, I know these moments are laying the foundation for my boys to grow into who they’re meant to be. And one day, the toddler who clings to me with such intensity will be running off to do his own thing, and I’ll miss being the centre of his world.

Finding Strength in Community

Another reminder that brings me comfort is knowing I’m not alone. I know there are so many mums out there feeling just as frazzled, just as stretched thin, and just as tired as I am. I find strength in the moments I can connect with other mums, even if it’s a quick chat on the playground or a text exchange about the latest sleepless night. There’s something so reassuring in knowing that I’m part of a larger community of women who understand exactly what this journey feels like.

So, to all the other mums out there who feel like they’re pulling their hair out too, know that I see you. I know the days are long, and I know how heavy this role can feel sometimes. But I also know that we’re not in it alone, and that just around the corner, there’s bound to be a little more sleep, a little less whining, and new milestones to look forward to.

Holding Onto Hope

For now, I’m hanging onto the small bits of hope I can find. I remind myself that each phase brings its own joys and challenges, and that with each new stage, we all grow together - me, my husband, and our kids. Today was tough, but I know tomorrow might bring a new perspective, a little more patience, or just a small glimmer of the peace I’ve been looking for.

Motherhood isn’t perfect, and neither am I. But we keep going because we love them, even when we’re exhausted, frustrated, and yes, even when we’re pulling our hair out. And at the end of the day, that love is the one thing that never changes.

So here’s to the mums out there in the trenches with me, embracing the mess, facing the exhaustion, and finding the beauty in this perfectly imperfect journey. Remember: everything really is just a phase. And one day, we’ll look back on these days, and we might even miss those small wins.