As noted on the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast , many parents feel this way simply because they weren't given the tools or support needed to handle high-needs children. Breaking the Cycle
You can hate the constant screaming, the lying, or the disrespect without hating the human being behind it. i-hate-my-son
Constant battles over bedtime, chores, or school can wear down even the most patient caregiver. As noted on the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast
It is the industry’s best-kept secret. We talk about the sleepless nights, the "terrible twos," and the financial strain of raising children, but we almost never talk about the deep, gut-wrenching moments when we look at our own child and think, "I just don’t like you right now." For some, that feeling is even sharper, more visceral—it feels like hate. It is the industry’s best-kept secret
You are not alone in this struggle. Admitting you're struggling to "like" your son is the first step toward finding a path back to a relationship where love—and eventually, like—can flourish again.
When your life feels entirely consumed by a child’s needs—leaving no room for your own career or hobbies—it’s easy to view that child as the obstacle to your happiness.
Research suggests focusing on three key moments: the first 3 minutes after waking, the 3 minutes after school, and the last 3 minutes before bed. Focusing on these small windows can help rebuild a sense of connection without feeling overwhelming.