Coping with different needs

Never in my wildeat dreams did I think having children at various age levels would prove to be so difficult.

When I had my oldest, I thought many days were difficult as a new mom with very little help from others especially my husband as his job had him away from home for five out of the seven days. I got very little sleep until she started sleeping through the nights.

When I had my middle child, my oldest was 12. She did not require much from me and spent a great deal of time at her grandparenta house. She helped a lot when she was home with small things and I was able to meet her needs and the little ones needs at the same time. Sure there were days when I was overwhelmed, but it was managable.

Now throw into the mix a newborn. My oldest is 14 and my middle guy is 2. Wow is all I can say. Three years later and I am feeling like I am a first time mom trying to juggle the needs of the hoard. What happened between the birth of my son and our newest addition?!

I am struggling to cope with the needs of my teenager; who takes everything to the extreme and is only willing to help when it suits her. I am struggling to cope with needs of my preschooler; who is dealing with his own emotions as a big brother and wanting my attention. I am struggling with the needs of a newborn; who really needs me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and cannot be told to wait two seconds while I tend to her older brother.

*sigh*

I am struggling with my own emotions at the sametime. Again I am feeling like a new mother drowning in the needa of the many and neglecting the needs I also have.

How does one cope in such a diverse environment as the one I am living in?

Slowly but surely I am certain things will fall into place and everything will work itself out. Until then, I must remember that I am the mom and they are my children. I need to remain level headed for my own sake!