Am I The Only One Going Nuts

[Kamaikia]

I want to turn back the clock 5 years to when life was fun, easy and I got some sleep.
How does everyone cope with the baby/working thing, especially the single mums.
At the moment I am working 4 half days a week and I'm running out of steam. I finish work and pick my son up straight away - go home and all I want to do is have a shower and a coffee - I don't want to play, change, listen to crying. I do a physical job so I'm stuffed as soon as I reach home.
My son has been sick since I started work - flu, chickenpox, hand foot and mouth, ear infections, teething, allergic reaction etc etc
My boy is in daycare 2 days (thats all I can get as the daycare wants full time working mums who pay cash - instead of a single mum who gets a large percentage paid through centerlink)
The other 2 day family watch him. Because they watch him those few hours they won't take him at any other time for me - not even so I can run to the shops.
Its gotten to the point where some days I am looking at my son thinking I made a huge mistake having him. I love my boy more than life - just can't cope with the lack of sleep, time to myself and silence. Feel like just running away some day (though I know I never could leave him)
I know quitting work would fix it all - I would then be able to make some me time but its just not an option, I need the money
Has anyone got any great advice to help me cope. :)

[nemosmum]

Firstly I just want to let you know how amazing you are! You are doing such a great job, caring for your son, working and doing it all SOLO :)

I dont know if I would be able to cope with everyhing you have to deal with either so dont get down on yourself for feeling overwhelmed sometimes.

I think the centre your son goes to needs to get a reality check and realise your the one that needs the care as your a single working mum LOL

I also think the government should support single parents more so they are able to (if they choose) to stay home and look after their bubs for at least the first year. Single parents have so much to contend with and I take my hat off to all of you for doing such an awesome job!

You might consider leaving DS at the child care centre for a few extra hours after you've finished work, one day a week. Just so you can get some much needed R&R and then maybe you might have more energy to play etc with your bub when he gets home.Just a thought.

Im sorry I dont have any concrete advice to give you Kaimaika but hang in there and things will turn out ok.......remember your doing the best you can, your little boy is very lucky to have you :)