Puppy blues about future with toddler

Hi,

I’m really struggling right now and could really use some support or perspective from people who’ve been through this.

We recently brought home a puppy, just a couple of days ago and even though I’ve had dogs before and consider myself dog-experienced, this situation has overwhelmed me in a way I didn’t expect. I’m a stay-at-home mom with two very young kids (a toddler and another small child), and I feel like I have no chance to focus on them the way they need. The puppy needs constant supervision, and I can’t even cook, go to the bathroom, or help my kids with something without feeling like the puppy immediately needs attention or redirection.

One of my kids is scared of the puppy, which makes everything feel even more emotionally heavy. I want my children to feel safe, calm, and like they still have me. Right now it feels like the puppy is taking all of my attention away from them, and the guilt is honestly crushing me.

My husband is in the picture, but he’s been sick with a cold since we got the puppy, and he also works full-time. Our kids are in part-time preschool, so in theory I should have the time and space to manage this — but I just feel overwhelmed and stuck in panic mode.

My biggest fear is: Will it ever be possible to do normal daily things again like cooking, using the bathroom, helping my kids with activities without having to constantly manage or supervise the puppy? Is it realistic that my kids will eventually be able to be in the same room as the dog without me hovering over them? I know I can’t leave them alone for a long time even when the dog is older, never ever!

Right now it feels impossible, and that scares me.

I know the puppy stage is temporary, but I’m questioning whether keeping him is fair to my kids, the puppy, or myself. At the same time, the thought of rehoming breaks my heart because I really want this to work. I just don’t know how to balance everyone’s needs.

Has anyone been through this with toddlers + a young puppy? Does it get better? How long did it take before you could do things without feeling overwhelmed?