AIBU to cancel tea and cake because

[M44]

of my children's behaviour. Two girls-delightful plus two boys 8 and 5. The boys constantly war and pick at each other. Their behaviour is deteriorating rapidly -so rude, cutting across adults (not just the parents) answering back-I hope it is the end of the holidays and not like this constantly. my BP must be sky high.
We had invited a couple expecting thir first baby round for tea and cake this afternoon but I have just cancelled as I cannot face the boys behaviour......feel dreadful. They have recently moved near us so have offered to go and see them one evening instead armed with cake.....they also go to our church. I am so upset about my children's behaviour- we have tried so many things to improve it. (rewarding good behaviour; telling off bad; removing favourite toys/proveleges etc- nothing makes any difference) They have both protested about me cancelling these people so I hope something sinks in about consequences......aaaargh. I hate wishing the time away but can't wait for school to start! That is a first for me.

Well it seems a shame that so many people's day has been spoilt by 2 little people.

I think I would have sent the boys to their room (maybe given them jobs to do) and had the tea and cake without them.
I have similar problems with my step dc who are very bad mannered and rude but I dont see why they should have the power to ruin things for the whole family so where possible when they behave badly I will try and remove them and carry on with my day without them.
Only another week till school starts!

They won't stay in their room......seriously have done/tried that......they won't stay separated either.....and will only do 'jobs' if I stand over them.The only things that work are taking favourite toys away......dh has taken one girl and one boy to church whilst the rest of us stay at home....admittedly it makes it easier to have a roast dinner- but I need a break from warring boys before the week begins again and dh is at work.
It is ridiculous I had to cancel friends. Boys were mortified I had done this and told the friends why.....maybe something will sink in as I can use it as a refernce point......

It's sad but sometimes necessary. Hope they learn mum means business.

We have done similar

You've done the right thing, sounds like you're close to the edge with them. Stop worrying about the boys and this other couple, your sanity is far more important. When school goes back you could maybe have this couple round when the boys are out? Sounds much more relaxing! Have you had any time at all to yourself over the break?

Well it sounds like it's time to get harsh with them now!
They need to see consequences of their behaviour!!!

How old are the girls?

I would have done the same as you. I have 5dc. Oldest 2in their twenties. Dd11, ds7&ds4.

The boys behaviour has become really awful&the usual techniques are not working...im starting to feel increasingly frustrated &angry towards the 2younger boys.

Only a few weeks til school....!

Have u tried the naughty step / chair? Might take a long time but stick with it - always works on Supernanny!

Yes we have tried naughty stair.....our house is small with many traversing through-so time outs are always disturbed. Methinks it is endofholidayitis- eldest boy struggles at the best of times with changes in routine.....they are getting harsh treatment......they were so rude to me- I have refused to get their tea until they work out why I am so grumpy with them! Girls are wonderful (15 and 11)

Its this point of the holidays.

And I have generally really loved this summer holidays but today has been crunch day chez campbellblack.

We are all ready for early nights and a return to routine.

But I'd have done the same as you and have done so in the past.

This is why I give my two to their father for the latest weeknight the holidays!!!