Shouting at my kids

[Teensy]

I have two boys 4 and 2 and work 4 days. I find it hard juggling everything and find I am constantly shouting and my boys. Especially bad at bed times and when we are out and about. Can anyone offer any advice on my behaviour! It is really getting me down!

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

What do you think triggers your shouting teensy? Are you feeling generally low? Are you getting much support? How much do you have to do, all the child care and housework or just most of it? .

When I was down one of the things that was stressed to me was making sure I take exercise, eat healthily and have something to look forward to. Know it probably sounds like the last thing you want to do but do you do some regular exercise and could you arrange something like a night out or even a weekend away? Me and Dh sometimes have a lunchtime date as we find it easier to get someone to have the DC during the day.

As for the dc, see if your library has got a copy of Little Angels by Dr Tanya Byron.

[Teensy]

Thanks for that. Really nice of u to take the time to reply - I will buy that book. Exercise is definitely something I need to make time for. My husband works away a lot, so often on my own which doesn't help. Thanks again

[CantStopEatingCheese]

I can also get quite shouty at my DC. I have noticed that on days when I've had more sleep, I am a lot calmer and more patient with them. So maybe try an earlier bedtime (for you!) and see if it makes a difference? I do feel for you, I don't like myself when I shout at them.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Sounds like you have a lot to cope with. Will your finances allow some help like a cleaner, even if its just for a few weeks. If your DH is away a lot, are you getting enough adult company?

[Teensy]

I see people at the weekends, and I have a lovely neighbour with kids the same age, but it can get a bit lonely. My family also come and stay, so I don't have it too bad! Yes, we have a cleaner too. I have had to do work in evenings though and I think this added pressure makes it worse. Need to get out more in evenings when hubby is here!

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

I shout at mine too sometimes, you're not alone in that one. Sounds like you need a bit of a break.

[Teensy]

Thanks for taking the time to respond I have ordered the book! Thanks

[Littlemisspoorly]

You sound like you need a break, sweetheart.

There's a saying, "Do not teach your children not to be angry; teach them how to be angry"

If you continue to shout they may copy you when they get stressed. Can you imagine that when they get to teenage!

I'm glad you're recognising the need for help. Your not getting help just for you love. Take care X

[MogTheForgetfulCat]

4 and 2 is so hard - I remember when I had my 2 DSs at that age, and I had such a tough year, and there was definitely some shouting. If it's any consolation, it got easier as they got older (now nearly 7 and 5) - so much so that we now have DS3 .

I don't really have anything particularly useful to say, but just wanted to let you know that it does get easier, and the close age gap becomes a good thing as they grow up. If you can carve out 1-on-1 with each of them, even if it's only a short period, I found that helped, too.