Ok - I am going to admit it I CAN'T COPE!!!!!!!

[MegaLegs]

Well I can for most of the day but the hours from end of school until bedtime are doing my head in.

DS4 whinges from 3pm onwards ( he has GDD and struggles with moving etc, he gets tired and ratty I uswe dto let him have a nap but now he won't sleep at bedtime if ne naps now)
He whinges, D1 and DS2 fight and DS3 kind of flits around doing all the stuff he knowws he shouldn't because I'm dealing with the other stuff.

I have just lost it with DS2 and sent him to his room. I have asked him to help me out a little and try and behave when DS4 is kicking off - he screamed and fell on the floor and kicked some stuff, I turned and left the room with twitching hands!!

I'm seriously thinking of employing an au pair or some kind of mother's help but would anyone want to work just two hours a day each week do you think?

All advice very welcome.

[tinymum]

If you think it will help go for it. I'm sure a student (maybe studying childcare) would fancy a bit of paid babysitting and you'd get a break. Why not try the local college.

[Chelseamum]

Don't feel ashamed for asking for help.
It is totally justified.. your sanity is very important!

[MegaLegs]

I think I've still got the number, I tried the college last year but missed out.

[MegaLegs]

You're right CM - I'm crap at asking for help. I am a control freak and like to give the impression that I'm on top of things. When it all goes wrong I hide it away until it all floods out. I hate losing it with the boys. They have all taken cover in front of a DVD, I will cook tea and clear up whilst it's calm.

[Chelseamum]

Don't worry! We all need some help at some point so just take a deep breath and look for that person so you can have a bit of a break!

Your spare time is also very important and you need your "Me time".

Good luck!