I have a 6 and 8 year old who’ve recently been having lots of arguments and screaming matches. There’s a pattern of the 6 year old bugging, teasing and then the 8 year old exploding in response.
I usually try to defuse, redirect and stay calm, occasionally needing to have consequences. I’ve just totally reached my limited though after weeks of escalating arguments and broken a bit.
today I taken away all screen time, refused to take them out or allow friends over. I’m refusing to play with them at all. I’m just sat reading things on my phone while they wonder about trying to entertain themselves and having the occasional argument in between coming up to me asking me to play with them. I’m just fed up of stuffing my needs away, being patient and working hard to do nice thing (eg I do a lot of playing with them, work hard to make bedtime nice etc).
the house has a horrible vibe now and I know it won’t change until I perk up.
but I just can’t.
not sure what I’m asking.
I guess AIBU to just do absolutely fuck all for them today (obviously aside from the basics of feeding, supervising etc). Or am I just continuing an Shiite atmosphere that I will inevitably have to deal with at some point.