in finding my chilldren a massive PITA this weekend?

[VelvetSpoon]

I've taken my 2 DS away for a long weekend.

They have done nothing but moan, gripe and whinge since we got here.

DS1 sulked for 2 hours on the first day because I made him walk from the station (I was carrying all the bags!)

They are both pissed off they don't have a football. There is nowhere nearby to get one. We could do the half hour walk into town and try there but as they both bellyache about walking to the clubhouse (5 mins walk) that isn't going to happen.

They each spent at least 30 mins yesterday procrastinating about having a shower, culminating in DS2 crying that the water was too cold (it wasn't). It has taken 20 mins to even get him in the room today. DS1 is still asleep so yet to have that battle with him, but I expect similar.

DS1 refuses to sleep in his bed because it is too small, so insists on sleeping on the sofa. Which means DS2 wants to sleep there as well, and means they just watch tv all night. Which is the only thing, absent the aforementioned football and their xbox that they want to do.

Yesterday getting them to go swimming involved several tantrums, and shouting matches. DS1 still refused. DS2 was bored after 10 mins.

They won't pick up, tidy up, clothes are everywhere (although all this is par for the course at home too) and frankly I have had enough.

They are 12 and 15 btw.

Tell them they are ungrateful and that it's your holiday too.
Don't let them bully you. If they want a football they can walk with you to buy one. Would they actually use a football?
My son is 14.5 and I have similar battles. I eventually get the result I want, the threat of a computer/Xbox ban is effective.

Yes at home threat of xbox ban usually works!

I suspect they are suffering gaming withdrawal. I just get fed up with everything being such a battle.

Re the football, it would get played with for 5 mins. Then I'd be carrying it home, along with everything else!

We went to the clubhouse last night, DS1 moaned I was overdressed and didn't look like other mothers. DS2 cried when I wouldn't give him £10 to spend in the arcade.

Ugh.

There is now no hot water so DS1 is screaming and shouting and refusing to go in the shower.

I shall be glad to go home tomorrow!

God it sounds awful - I think i'd be reading them the riot act about this being the LAST HOLIDAY EVER!!!

Firstly I think you have to stop lugging all their stuff around - they are not 5 and are perfectly capable of carrying their own bag/football.

I would sit them both down and have serious words about how spoilt and rude they are sounding and that if today wasn't better then they would have serious consequences when they get home - that would include Xbox ban, no pocket money etc.

No child should be crying because you wouldn't give them £10 for the arcade - that's outrageous behavior.

I honestly don't think they would care if it was the last holiday ever, they have been abroad the last 2 years and moaned nonstop it was too hot, they were bored, tv was crap etc!

In their view its perfectly acceptable to behave this badly. However much I sanction them, or tell them off. It is the constant arguing back and backchatting that drives me demented.

Stop taking them then - holidays are bloody hard work for parents and there really is no point if the dc don't even appreciate it! I say you should save the money and spend it on something for you instead.

Your kids are taking you and what you give them, for granted and it might be time to give them a bit less until they start to be a bit more appreciative.

Jesus I thought you were talking about a six/eight yo.

They are 12 & 15.

Old enough to remember their own shite
Old enough to carry their own shite
Old enough to be responsible for their own entertainment

Are you on a site with a kids club? Threaten to book them in with the 8 y.o s - behave like a little kid, get treated like a little kid!

Your 12 year old cried because the water was cold and you wouldn't give him a tenner? Whinged about a walk? He sounds more like a toddler!

If they complained on the last two holidays then why on earth have you taken them on another one?

I actually found them easier to deal with when they were toddlers...

Their holiday last year was with their dad, so I didn't take them. But they told me at length how crap it was when they got back (and he said they didn't stop moaning). Thing is, if I didn't take them I wouldn't get a holiday at all - and I do need the break. I just don't need the constant whinging that results!

they sound rather spoiled to me

I don't blame you. Feel very sorry for you. Don't bother next year. If poss go away on your own and get someone a lot less nice to look after them so that they appreciate u when u come back.

Next time, go away while they are at their dads.

Next year let their Dad take them away. You should go away on your own. As you say, you need the break. You don't need whining and complaining.

I just want to know what you were wearing that was sooooo embarrassing at the clubhouse ;@)

Sorry but they sound really horrible. I honestly thought you were talking about little ones at first. Why are you letting them get away with such vile behaviour?

Your 15 year old is screaming and crying over a shower? Wow.

I'd be packing them off to live with their father I think

Are you not able to leave them in front of the telly and take yourself to the clubhouse? I'd be inclined to sit out with a book and leave them to it. If they don't want to go swimming? You go. Bollocks to it.

Also, my best weapon to stop any tantrums is to start filming DD on my phone and threatening to put it on FB I wouldn't but she doesn't know that! (She is only 8 but I think this technique has plenty of mileage )

Also, it comes to packing up and going home, they do it. What are they going to do, leave all their stuff behind? I don't think so...

I would be very at a 12 year old crying.

Does he always over react?