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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think that life should be easier by now

1 reply

cadburyegg · 19/06/2023 20:11

Single mum here to an 8 and 5 year old and I'm fucking exhausted and it's only Monday.
My 8yo can be so vile to me. I've only spent 2 hrs max with him today and I had to give him a stern telling off for making comments about me spending money?? I do consequences such as no screen time / reduce pocket money, he just says he doesn't care.

I'm reading all these threads about how kids get easier as they get older and I can't relate. I'm still seriously sleep deprived, the last 3 days I've got up at either 5am or 6am.

I get 1 weekend a month to myself. The rest of the time I'm either working or looking after them. Neither of them will go to any extra curricular activities.

I've had to get much stricter with them due to behaviour and so we don't go out as often anymore, which is more of a punishment for me because it just means more time in the house.

I know part of their behaviour is attention seeking because they want 1:1 time with me. But I'm always 1:2 so they never get it.

I realise this sounds like I regret having them, I don't. I just wish I could enjoy them

OP posts:
ChocolateCoveredCookie · 19/06/2023 23:13

I've had to get much stricter with them due to behaviour and so we don't go out as often anymore

Thats quite sad tbh. Maybe if they were happier their behaviour would be better? If you are always telling them off and moaning at them they will be miserable. This means you are also unhappy because you are stuck in the house more. It sounds miserable for you all. Maybe you need to find a different approach. If they are wanting your attention, have you tried love bombing?

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/sep/22/oliver-james-love-bombing-children

All you need is love bombing

Psychologist Oliver James on how his new technique can transform children with common emotional or behavioural problems

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/sep/22/oliver-james-love-bombing-children

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