Help! Urgent. How do I manage this situation.

[Lagoonablue]

At home alone all day with DD who is 8 and DS 4. This morning we did a bit of craft, I took them to. McDonalds for a very rare treat. Then we went to the park. I wouldn't get them an ice cream as the. McDs was a treat. They whinged a bit but seemed to settle down. At home they began to watch a dvd, then the ice cream man came past and yet again they wanted a ice cream. Said no as nearing their tea time. DD kicked off and was incredibly rude and disrespectful and threw a cushion across the room, told her to get to her room. Refused. So decided to ignore her as couldn't face a physical battle.

Took DS off to play a game. He started messing around then Deliberately picked up something then stared at me and dropped it on the floor. Honestly I just feel they were taking the piss out of me. I know they weren't but I am not feeling rational.

DD has now decided she wants to 'make friends' and is weeping and wailing around the house. DS is crying as he wants to play the game and I have stopped. They are both crying and following me around. I feel angry and impotent.

I feel like screaming. Don't want ' make friends'. Feel I can't parent anymore. How do I get out of this situation and regain some authority and not totally alienate my kids.

Feel like a terrible mother but not sure how to rectify. Help!

[hollie84]

I would tell your DD you can't "make friends" until she has apologised for her behaviour. Send them both to their rooms for half an hour so you can all have some breathing space.

[Lagoonablue]

Thanks. They have calmed down for now....

[Finola1step]

I think some breathing space is a good idea. But your reaction does seen a bit out of proportion OP.

[Lagoonablue]

Out of proportion? I know am overreacting. Just feel pissed off that I can't handle it.

[topsmart]

Oh I've been there OP. The whinging/tantruming about treats when they've just had one - drives me mad, just seems so ungrateful and spoiled, doesn't it. I think it gets to me as I feel it's a reflection on my parenting; like how can they be like this, it must be my fault. And so I have got angry instead of staying calm and repeating the message. But they're only little and just testing the boundaries. Def send to rooms for 10 mins so you can calm down and just remember you can rise above it!

[OwlCapone]

Yes, your reaction was out of proportion but it is a rare mother who has not had their inner toddler/teenager brought out by their children!!

Explain to them why their behaviour has made you angry/sad and then make up.

[Lagoonablue]

Thanks. I just felt situation got out of hand, I am calmer too.....