Hello. Sorry to hear of your troubles. I have 2 grown kids and I rarly talk with them. I hope your day is good.

Thank you. My son is 4 so I feel like I’m doing so much damage and it makes me feel hopeless. I know I’m not and I’m the only one who can fix it I just feel like I can’t.

Taking care of kids can wear you down to almost nothing.

Question: Can you pull it together long enough to give him 20 minutes of interaction/play twice a day? If not that...then 10 minutes once a day?

One of the things that I think makes parenting the hardest, is that there are some expectations out there to be the perfect parent "stimulating" our kids with organic foods and classical music.

My kids may have gotten that...once? for about 10 minutes? in their lives?

Some days if they're fed, alive, and the house hasn't burnt down...it's a win.

When/if Depression begins to threaten the welfare of a child, it is time to seek professional help.

If you think that is a possibility, talk to your doctor and seek an evaluation and treatment plan.

Depression is treatable.

My son is 20 and has had to live with a severely depressed mom his whole life. The things I made sure to do over the years was tell him I had this illness and that it wasn't his fault. I have also had to do a lot of apologizing over the years. I know it has affected him but then again I am always working on it and always pray to be a better mom.

Kids can be very trying, even without adding medical problems into the mix. What I've learned and have been coached is do what you can, when you can. The only real time I spend with them is when I watch a kids show with them once a day. Very rarely, I will read a story to them. It's not enough by a "normal" person's standards, but it is all I can give, so I've had to learn to accept that for me, that is okay.
Good luck with yours.

Thank you for all your advice. I’m trying to spend sometime with him but I know he wants more. I just really hope it doesn’t cause him issues later in life. I keep reading all this stuff about growing up with parents who have depression and it scares me. I just wanna do right by my son

Ger help if you need to. Are you a single parent? I used to have my mom come over and just be with my son, talk to him, etc. I just hope you don't end up neglecting your son. If you think it's come to that point then you might have to make some tough choices for the sake of your child's welfare. He's only 4 so he does need a lot of attention. Can you just sit on the floor and play with him? Just something simple like that? My heart really does go out to you. I know all too well what you are dealing with. Message me if you want to talk more.

Hello Unsure,
Yes, that is a sinking and and empty feeling for a mom to have. I have felt t hat before too. I learned that I had to take time to be still and focus on what is true and real. Take time spend time with your son enjoying each other. Playing a game or catch, having a milkshake/ hot chocolate together. Playing, washing dishes, baking cookies, picking up toys...together. Make your time together enjoyable, do not nit-pick. It's okay, if things are not perfectly done. Developing relationships take time, work, support and encouragement from others too. Do you have any family and/or friends who can help you and your son? Parenting is not made to do alone. Bless you and your son!