What do you do when everyone in your house is in a bad mood?

[Bluewavescrashing]

7yo is extremely sensitive today, crying over every little thing. Screaming at me to go away. Moaning, whining. I know he's tired but don't think he's unwell.

9yo winding him up, leaving him out of games, shouting at everyone.

DH causing issues by not playing fair.

I've told them all to go out to the park and come back when they can behave. (I'm a primary teacher so was pretty stern). I'm knackered, have a cold and am happy to be in their company if they're reasonable but cannot deal with any more screaming.

Thinking of some nice comforting food for lunch, film this afternoon and definitely no board games or anything competitive 🙄

If it carries on just banish them from your sitting room and have a nice afternoon to yourself?

Yeah. I really want to doze, watch something on TV and not have to referee slanging matches.

Sweet peace and quiet. They've gone out 🎉

I have, once, retired to bed with a book for several hours, having clearly stated that their behaviour was unacceptable and I'd had enough. I may've been quite upset....they were so shocked they poked their heads a few times round the door through the pm and said sorry. I think we were meant to be heading out, to the park.
Like I say, only once, though, as a last resort! They were old enough (11,9) to understand.

I'll be honest I block them out with my headphones in and listen to a true crime podcast . It's usually my 7 year old DD having a whinge too

Family members have been dropped off a few miles from home and made to walk home until they get over it

Actually it's mainly DS1, with an accompanying parent. It does work though. It's hard to keep up a stinking mood after a mile.

I like your style @BogRollBOGOF

I drag dd out for a walk/jog. Biscuit bribes are sometimes involved. We usually end up in a long in depth (one way, led by dd) analysis of the Harry Potter books which improves her mood.

If I’m the one in a bad mood I go for a walk/run or play the piano.

If it’s Dp, I send him out on some fake urgent errand.

I tell them I've quit being a mother and go to my room with a book for a few hours.