Five and three year old - finding it very difficult to cope

[Whoopsnow81]

I'm just feeling at the end of my rope today.

I do know however they behave points directly back to me.

The older one is drawn constantly to the younger one and antagonises her. She then screams on a loop.

Is this normal? Should it be upsetting me so much?

[PippiLongstromp]

Some days you just have to survive, it's tough. Do you have support? Can anyone take over for a while? DH and I take turns with them when they are being challenging (I have two 4 year olds). Don't feel bad you are not enjoying yourself all the time.

[Whoopsnow81]

Thanks for your reply.

I don't get a break to be honest but I have no offers, probably given that the pair of them are so challenging when together.

Just so down and depressed about it today.

My relationship with my DS isn't what it should be as I think I resent the constant behavioural issues.

Sorry that was just a rant :-(

[TheTantrumCometh]

I have two the same ages. Last summer (when they were 4 and 2) we got the book, "Calm Parents, Happy kids" (or children, I can't remember!) and it's really changed the whole mood of the house.

It's easy to get bogged down trying the same patterns and behaviours to get them to cooperate, and reading the book helped to make some positive changes. A lot of stuff just 'clicked'.

I sound like I'm advertising the book . I'm not!

Now, we still have flare ups of misbehaviour but on the whole it's much better