hello you sound as if you've got an awful lot to cope with and all on your own and in a confined space. I'm not a child expert but I do know that how I feel rubs off on my children so if I'm tired I get crosser quicker and we all feed off each other. I also know that my children (who are older than yours) are still too young to understand that people (and especially mums!) have bad days and that it's just best to give me a wide bearth on days like that - they just see it as unfair of me to be short tempered with them when it's not their fault. So your son's probably the same - he doesn't understand why the short temper etc as he can't see the wider picture. I think getting you feeling better is the key to both of you managing things so I'd work on you. You're tired and you need a support network - have you got family near by? Even phoning them to get it off your chest and know someone who loves you and your son is listening can pick you up. Or what about a friend? Is there anyone you could invite round and get them to help you look at your flat and see if it can be changed a bit to make it '2 bedroons' (curtained off bit?? Or a partition put up?) or how to make it feel more like home? Lots of people we speak to found that when they started decorating their flat or doing something to make it feel like theirs they then also felt more at home and more settled and happier. Sometimes other people will have ideas that never crossed your mind. At weekends get out into some space with your son and enjoy each other - make yourself be in the moment and having fun and forget your worries. it'll make both of you feel happy and he'll know his 'old' mum is still there. Do things that make you feel happy - I like going and seeing my mum and dad with my children as it gives me a bit of a break and we all have a nice family time. I like going to the park and watching them climb trees and kick leaves etc. Go out. However tired you are and however much you dread a 5am start (how horrible!) you'll feel better for having been out and seen friends and been a grown up - you won't feel anymore tired than if you'd stayed at home feeling caged in.

if you can't shift these feelings go to the doctor and talk to them about how you feel. Don't be backwards in asking for help from Dr's family or friends. This is the time you need it and I bet you'd help them if your roles were reversed?

You don't mention dad? Now there is someone who should be able to help you and have your son for the day and possibly a night? Or his parents?

Oh and I'd also remember that children are always going through stages and however horrible or upsetting their current behaviour is it's a phase - one day you'll realise he hasn't cried so much or been so clinging for awhile and seems happier.

Lots and lots of luck please put yourself at the top of the pile tell peole oyu need some help and get them rallying round you until you're settled.