This is so hard
Two time dad, kids aged 4 and 1 and I love them more than anything, but man I’m exhausted. Most of the day is frantic between work and taking care of the kids, the weekend just changes the type of work. There are minutes of bliss surrounded by hours of hard work. Our 4 year old screams for constant attention and getting her to do anything (put on shoes/eat/shower/play/stop playing) requires much coaxing. The baby is in a very clingy phase too (the older one went through the same phase). Between the lack of sleep from the baby and the constantly high level of energy required to manage the 4 year old and prevent tantrums I’m completely depleted. Between 8 PM and midnight is the only time I have to myself/with my wife. I have a few beers (sometimes several) a night and am worried I’m drinking beyond healthy limits, but it’s the only way to relax when overwhelmed by the day (pre kids I used to enjoy running and movies). I feel like I’m at the end of my tether