Kids driving me nuts!

[ChilliLips]

They’re 6 and 2.

I feel like I have no idea what to do with them in the house. They follow me from room to room, scream, climb everything (and inevitably fall), fight and constantly ask for snacks.

They don’t settle to activities, they have plenty of toys/books/games but the only thing they seem interested in is jumping on/off the sofa and windowsills, climbing furniture, throwing things, and putting really loud and annoying repetitive songs on the Alexa while running around. They constantly fall around and have accidents and cry yet ignore any warnings to stop.

It’s draining me and I dread anything more than an hour at home with them, because inevitably there will be screaming, fighting and crying within 5 minutes.

I love them both endlessly but my nerves are frayed and I feel constantly on edge

Similar, but just one 6 year old, v hyper

I hated being at home with little kids too, the more you van be out the better! I also found having a routine helped. What that looks like depends on your family and work situation but if the kids know what is coming next they will likely be calmer and mentally prepared for that activity.

Make sure you get out to the park/swimming pool etc at least once a day and build in some quiet time, whether that is you reading to them or them playing quietly in their rooms for example.

Quiet time could just be 10 mins at first and praise them if they do it sensibly and you can extend it as they get better/older.

It will take some trial and error to find out what works. This too will pass!

I think at those ages you still have to take them by the hand and sit them down to their toys. It could also be they have too many toys out and can't choose what to do. Maybe try a few minutes to do something with them and them let them do it themselves for a few minutes and then join them again. Build it up from there. I think limiting their choices would also help. Give them two options for activities. For example do they want to paint or play with Lego.

And if you really need them out from under your feet for an hour, put them in front of an age appropriate movie.