Is your house happy?

[Oohooh]

I wouldn’t say ours is unhappy as such but I just really struggle to create a nice atmosphere. I have 2 kids age 4 and 1. They NEVER just ‘potter around and play’. It’s always fighting, winding each other up, that manic laughter that comes before an accident, or crying. And when it isn’t they’re nagging for food, need the toilet, or complaining they’re bored.

I try so hard to be patient but once every few weeks I just blow my top. Every second I’m having to monitor what they’re doing and constantly say ‘get off him’ ‘put that back’ ‘find something to do then’ ‘in a minute’ ‘I don’t know’

And omg, the QUESTIONS. On and on. To the point every time she asks one I quickly think of what reply will in turn lead to the fewest further questions.

It’s only day -1 of the holidays. Help me 🥲 🍷

They will grow out of it but bring different problems as they grow. Try doing more things together such as reading to them or playing simple games so they learn to enjoy spending time together and let the elder one ‘help’ you with simple tasks. We all feel your pain but keep calm and carry on!

It's their age. Honestly it gets better. Hang on in there!

That's just part of the drudgery of parenting little ones. My teenager is here with her girlfriend and we've been chatting and they are about to make us cocktails and we're getting a takeaway. It's a very happy house (today, right now!)

Yes I have a happy calm household. One dc though and i would hate the sibling squabbling. Dc has 2 cousins staying for the weekend which is enough. Always glad to have them and they have a lot of fun (no squabbling) but I'm happy to have quietness back again.

Mostly happy but still have moments of squabbling, annoying questions and me feeling like I need a break. Sometimes feels like a whole morning. It's often when I'm trying to get on with something else in another room. My kids are 4 years older. Can you get a break and get outside with the kids as that's what really helps me.

Yes on the whole I think it is. A bit stressy at the moment as ds is struggling a bit at school, usual teenage stuff. I'm prone to anxiety and low moods but good at hiding it. There's no fighting or atmospheres in our house.