Feel like I can’t do this any more

[Quebeth]

I feel so overwhelmed and out of my depth

I have two children - 5 and 2. The five year old started school in August and her behaviour has been horrific since the October break. The two year old is so destructive and today scribbled with a pen all over the couch. Threw water all over the bed. Drinks her milk and tosses the empty cup away so the drips go everywhere. I clean and clean and the place is still a dump because they are the messiest children I’ve ever come across

I have a massive job that I’m trying to fit into part time hours. My husband tries but works a lot. I was so looking forward to today after a hard week but it’s just been shite. It’s Saturday night and the five year old is still not asleep so I’m lying on her bed. I haven’t even had my tea yet.

I just want to fucking pack up and leave tonight. I really do.

Kids are messy, it's not just yours!

Mine do their worst when not engaged; be it colouring, tv, a game, whatever:

Make sure they are engrossed in whatever before you turn your back for two minutes,

Listen to a song called ‘it won’t be like this for long’ by Darius Rucker

I feel your pain! Finally Sat on the sofa with a bottle of wine....ignoring a scribble that's staring at me on the wall beside me.....single mama of four and a demanding German shepherd...it's a mad house...just think tomorrow is a new day

Kids test us, they always have and always will. When I feel like shit I look back at their newborn photos and remember those first days. Things get on top of us, we all feel the same sometimes (well I do at least) and you are definitely not alone. I also write lists of what is bothering me, however small it is and tackle one thing at a time. Most importantly though forgive yourself for the mess, for being stressed and remember you're only human! Promise yourself that tomorrow will be a better day, even if only marginally.

I have brought ds 5's bedtime forward to start routine at 630 instead of after 7. Seems to be helping.
He is shattered after starting school full time on September.
Ime extra sleep can make a huge difference to behaviour.
Even in my teens!

Oh OP, I feel your pain. My kids are so messy ALL THE TIME and their behaviour tests me to my limit daily. Tomorrow is a new day.

Op I feel your pain. It's neverending, isn't it.

I often feel like I live in a Lego factory or something. It's on every surface in almost every room, even after I've tidied it up. My eldest has adhd, asd traits, eczema and asthma and keeping on top of all this, as well as trying to support my youngest, feels like an insurmountable task most days.

Thank you. I have had a large wine and feeling slightly better now. Tomorrow is a new day.

It’s just hard. I’m worried about the five year old and I have absolutely no idea how to deal with it

((Hug)).

There was a period when ‘wine o’clock’ was the only thing that got me through some days!! I think it was actually the thought of sitting down in the peace & quiet doing something ‘adult’ rather than the ‘wine’

It’s HARD at time, just bloody relentless groundhog days, but it’s VERY true that while the days go slowly, the years go quickly & you need to try to find a way to enjoy the ‘here & now’ because you can’t get it back again!

Starting school is bloody exhausting - mist of them need much more sleep and nothing demanding after school - if possible a walk home via the play park ,a snack, story/tv/play - dinner, bath & bed. Earlier than they were before starting school

Even for non new starters this time of year us hard- it’s dark, grey, chilly...

Try not to worry about them, they’ll be fine!

This too shall pass 🌷

Sippy cup for 2yo and keep her well away from pens and water.

What does the 5yo do? Would a straightjacket help?

I think the sleep thing is at the root of the shitty behaviour. She has no interest in sleep even when she’s beyond exhausted. It’s a battle every single night to get her to sleep.

I find the school thing so exciting. Her reading is amazing. She loves it so much. She’s really coming into her own as well. When her behaviour is good (she is generally a lovely child it’s just been the last couple of weeks her behaviour has really nosedived) she’s great fun to be around. She’s great company.

I feel crap. I feel like I have just fought with her all week.

It’s the tantrums. They’ve come out of nowhere. I hate you. You’re not my mum any more etc etc. She’s so mean to her sister who absolutely worships her. Shouts at her for not playing the right way. Has started hitting out on frustration but we are trying to come down hard on that

The best thing I've found for my two (6YO and 4YO) is don't engage with the fights, arguing or tantrums.

Whenever I ask them do something I get met with 'Why' or excuses or complaints. I ignore it all and repeat the request calmly. Do not engage with them beyond that, because then they just have an opening to argue.

Its hard. Mine turn into a pair of gits at 6pm every Saturday night.

Quebeth, you in Québec?!

Yeah she just argues with everything. Or ignores me. And I get wound up. So tomorrow I’m going to try not to get so wound up. I will not engage in this madness.

How is her diet? Is she getting outside lots? That can be tough at this time of year

No managed I am in Scotland. Just family connections.

Probably not as much as she should. She’s not an “ourdoorsy” type and can be lazy but I do get her walking to school etc. It poured all day today so it was particularly hard. My plan tomorrow (hopefully) is to get them out for a good walk in the morning

Talk to the DDs school. Something may be going on contributing to dd behavior.

oh my toddler is like this too. its exhausting

We tried a different tack. Why don't and get you teddy and lie on the sofa until you're feeling calmer/kinder etc. It really helped with behavioral issues. Didn't isolate them but let them find peace.

Today was better. We walked and walked and walked and now my husband has taken them out for a bit. Five year old seemed much calmer today. Two year old was tired and napped in the buggy.