have a tough time (of it)

To have a challenging period during which one struggles to do or cope with something. John had a tough time of it after losing both his job and his wife during the same year. I had a tough time repairing the engine because it was so rusty, but I eventually got it running again. She has a three year old and she's pregnant with twins? My goodness, she's gonna have a tough time handling all that, at least at first!