Yes. People are always so surprised when I tell them how awful the first 2-3 years of my youngest’s life were. She has been difficult since the day she was born and I was dealing with 3 other kids, one of which is diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, anxiety and depression. I really wasn’t sure I’d make it and there are still…

First, love your username/photo. Took me right back to childhood and wishing I could be the 5th wheel.

Second, I am a parent coach and always start by letting parents know that there is no judgement from, no shame or guilt for anything the feel or have done. It is so hard being a parent and when you feel like you’re…

YOU are a wonderful person.

I’m the lady at the park who brings extra water bottles and offers baby wipes to anyone who needs it. My kids are older and easier, but I have such compassion for the moms who are still up to the elbows in kids.

I love this! I’m great with kids & mine are old enough that I have time to love someone else’s too. Your community sounds awesome.

I wish it was real...there are so many moms struggling and I hate not being able to do anything. But! I’ve been background checked by my local school district (to volunteer in my kids’ classes) and I have references! Bring me your overwhelming kid or two!

I remember being afraid that my kid would be taken away if I was open about my struggles and I was in a supportive healthcare situation with frequent screening, home visits and inexpensive care. It still took me 6 months.

My father is a retired police officer. The first time my mom ever saw my dad cry was 13 years into their marriage. He was the first officer on the scene of a murder-suicide; a father killed his 2yo daughter and then himself. My dad came home that day and she found him in their bedroom crying.

Our County Department of Community Mental Health recently put out a call in my daughter’s school newsletter for volunteers to provide respite foster care for families that are overwhelmed, maybe because one of their children has a developmental delay, for example. Usually, the caregiver watches the kids for a few days…

Honestly? If this could be mobilized nationally, it would save childrens’ and parents’ health and lives. I’m all for this. I’d be part of this too! So many more social services are necessary for kids and parents in this country. How could we do something like this? It’d be like Starbucks for Kid Care. And…

It’s hard. Really fucking hard. I had PPD with my oldest and there’s so much shame associated. Now I have two kids and its fucking draining and exhausting. All give, all the time. And confessing that you’re not enjoying it or that you desperately need help is often met with extreme judgement or trite comments like…

As a person who suffered from postpartum depression stories like this always bring up a lot of feelings. Of course I know there's a chance this wasn't it but the reaction to these stories always reminds me of the fear I had to speak up about my illness.

You have a good heart. Bless you.

prayers because at this point in time this community needs exactly that, we need prayer

If that's a real thing sign me up too. I have two friendly dogs and endless patience

Absolutely, I’m assuming the seven-year-old wouldn’t be with his father right now if she had access to a firearm.

Five kids under seven? Am I te only one reminded of Andrea Yates?

This is terrible. Those poor babies. And the father and 7 year old who got away? This is going to be just horrible for them.

I want to put a smiley face sign in my window that indicates me as a emergency, respite child care mom. You? Go take a shower by yourself. Walk through a quiet library. Me? I’ll feed your kid muffins and have them run in the back yard until they are too tired to sass.

This is too overwhelming. I don’t know how the father and surviving child cope with this, but I hope they somehow find a way.