I love them dearly, and struggled with infertility so realise how incredibly lucky I am to have two healthy and happy DCs. But the past few weeks they have been driving me absolutely mad. 3 yo is dropping her nap, which means she's often knackered and melting down into a puddle of clinging, whinging, and demanding for much of the day. We've adjusted bedtime and try to give quiet time during the afternoon but it hasn't made much of a difference. I know it's not her fault and she needs me to be calm, but it is absolutely draining. 7 yo has become so defiant and everything is an argument "I don't want a snack, why do I have to have a snack?" "Why can't I pick up this rusty pointy sharp thing I've found in the street?" "I don't want to go to school yet, I'm still doing Legos" whinge whinge, scream, cry, sometimes even a tantrum (which I thought should be over by now?!) 7 yo's behaviour seems more teen-like than I expected at this age?
We have consistent routines and they eat and drink well thorughout the day. They don't have any screentime and generally play together quite beautifully and enternatin themselves well. I know I'm very lucky in this regard! And I'm due on my period this week so my mood and coping are at a lower point than usual. But is it always this hard? Will it get easier? Please share any tips for coping, my patience is worn completely thin.