u/Useful_Parking_Nope

Husband decided we need fewer clothing for the kids. 5 long sleeve 5 short sleeve 5 collared. 4 pants 4 shorts. So we're trying it. I hate it. They're just going to be wearing stained shrunken clothes and we'll be buying things last minute.

Our starting inventory was probably 20 long sleeve 30 short sleeve. 10 pants 10 shorts. We have 4 kids. We have a plethora of outdoor clothes for nature school. We've moved 6 times in the last 7 years so there's some 'sick of stuff' feelings. We're in 2800 sq ft but the kids' rooms/dressers are tiny.

I'm 40yo with a newborn and feeling out of place. Most moms around me are in their 20s/early 30s and keep their conversations very short with me. I find myself feeling more and more awkward and hyperfocused on being overweight with thinning hair and melasma. I'm so tired postpartum and feel like I've aged 10 years since having my son. Have I missed out on having social ties? How do you reconcile being a 'new mom' while also being an 'old mom'?

I know the kids will get easier but I'll get older!

My normally patient partner has been yelling at my 2yo and 4yo who are proving to be a challenge. Everything is a countdown ("put that down in 5...4...3...") or a threat ("you're getting no more TV for the rest of the day!") Or something he wants accountability for ("I told you to do x and you STILL did it! Why?! WHY?!").

My husband gives excellent apologies and repairs well so, dare I say, the kids are somewhat comfortable with his yelling...and yell back!!! The infractions from the kids are deserving of reaction: hitting, writing on the walls, taking food without asking, peeing/pooping outside on the neighbors lawn. But the yelling just creates more yelling and I want it to stop!