this post was submitted on 07 Sep 2026

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Does parenting get any easier? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by Cheery@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

67 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Hey Lemmy!

I'm a dad to a two year old boy. He's very energetic and needs quite a bit of supervision. Other than that I couldn't wish for a better son. I'd like to preface my actual question with saying I want to be a parent and I wouldn't change that given the possibility.

The question is, does it get any easier? I have been stuck in a loop of wake up, take care of breakfast and other preparations, go to work, go back to parenting and maybe two hours of rest after the kid falls asleep. It feels like I don't rest enough. I will however add that I've struggled with depression for the better part of a decade, I'm still pretty heavily medicated and in therapy. I'm much better than I was a few years ago, but the feeling of tiredness and lack of strength to be the best parent I can is at times getting the better of me.

I'm fully aware I put myself in this situation and I'm not sure I'd be happier with no kids. I guess I'm just looking for other people's stories of when they were in similar situations or simply some words of encouragement.

Thanks.

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[–] Nangijala@feddit.dk 2 points 1 month ago

I'm childless by choice, so I don't have any lived advice. I just wanted to say that you sound like a great dad and your boy sounds like a healthy little duracell bunny! All the best to you and your little family!

From what I have observed around me, you're currently in the hardest stretch of parenthood in terms of the physical and mental toll from not having any time to yourself, but it comes back to you gradually as the little one grows and starts to explore the world. By the time where you get most of your freedom back, you will do anything to have those early years back. The paradox of parental love <3

[–] luthis@lemmy.nz 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Easier yes, but different. Every month (or few months as they get older) things change and it's a new kind of challenge. So the problems you have now will end and you'll have new things to tackle.

Protip: get involved with other young parents. The kids will get social time and tire themselves out, and you get to split parenting with others and it's less effort. It takes a tribe to raise a child

Also have depression, can understand.

[–] Cheery@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Thanks, I think that's what I'm missing, I don't know any parents in the area, there are some group play events for kids in the area, maybe I should look into them. Do you feel like depression impacts your parenting?

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[–] butsbutts@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 month ago

yes when they move out

[–] bradorsomething@ttrpg.network 1 points 1 month ago

Mine are teens now, here are a few pointers:

Let them help with the dishes/garbage/sweeping. I know they’ll make a bigger mess now, but in a few years they take well to chores.

When they start asking questions, always treat them with respect like they’re a smart person who’s missing a chunk of knowledge.

How you respond to falls and failures shapes their lives. When they fall, ask if they need help up. If they ask if it’s okay, say it’s going to be okay. When they mess up, ask if they can help you clean up without going into blame, other than discussing how to avoid that in the future.

[–] pulsewidth@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Take as many photos and videos as you can, you will miss the silly things they say and do when they're small, and you're kinda sleep deprived so you forget stuff.. They'll also love watching younger versions of themselves saying and doing crazy things when they're older. And yeah, it gets easier every year generally - depends on the kid though, we're all different 🙂

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[–] ratrace@lemmy.zip -1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

NO! Rise up for your kids. Playing it safe is a death sentance. "Functional unemployment" nearing 25% in U.S., analysis finds

[–] UltraGiGaGigantic@lemmy.ml -3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I dont think I would ever stop mourning the future I forced upon my hypothetical child.

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