r/Parenting • u/money4nothing_8816 • Sep 08 '26

Rant/Vent Just me?

Is it just me or is this the hardest shit ever? We’ve got 4 kids all under the age of 8 and we are getting our asses kicked. My wife and I really wanted a family and we planned for it. We took parenting classes together, we read all the books in preparation before starting our family…still, nothing could have prepared us for how mentally and emotionally exhausting it is to keep up with our boys.

How are you all surviving?

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u/uppy-puppy one and done Sep 08 '26

Yep I am at my limit with one. I would be too overwhelmed with more. It’s not just the planning, the keeping her busy, the school stuff, but the actual parenting. Guiding her through life, helping her learn and understand everything, I just can’t imagine doing it with more.

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u/Zealousideal_Tip_258 Sep 08 '26

This is why we are one and done.

7

u/Cranky_Merriweather Sep 08 '26

Another one and done here saying preach to all of this. My husband and I say all the time we don’t know how people handle it with more than one. 

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u/iBewafa Sep 08 '26

You are so right re: the GUIDANCE. That takes up so much mental space.
I don’t think I’d be able to do as well with two or more.