Don't cry over spilled milk? ...well I just did

[mumnosbest]

I feel like I finally snapped last today and now feel rotten :(
DH is working till 10pm so I have 3DCs to care for over the evening and night when they're really tired (don't know how you single mums cope, I only do this every 3rd wk). Anyway the 2 older DCs (7 and 4) were so giddy last night I yelled a lot and sent them to bed miserable. This morning they were both walking on egg shells and DS brought in the milk (being helpful) and put it in the fridge. When I went to take it out it was balanced on a jar and fell out smashing and spilling everywhere. Anyway I yelled some more and took them to school, miserable again :(
I am tired DD2 is 3months and DH isn't too helpful but I know I over reacted. What should I do to make it up to them?

Oh dear - sounds like you had a shit day. I would just say you were tired and missing your DH and that your sorry. I am sure they will forgive you. Hope today is better.

thanks! had a nice restful day and feeling much better. DCs seem fine (not scarred for life)

I have snapped too many times to remember, mostly trying to get 3 under 4's out the door before 8am. Recently I really lost it at ds2 and when I said goodbye to ds1 at nursery he burst into tears.

It helps me to talk through it with them at the time and again a bit later - it calms me down and reassures them that everything is o.k, I'm trying to focus on positive behaviour by setting a good example so make sure I tell them I've calmed down and said sorry .

I think I'd have felt better if it wasn't right before school. I worried I had put them on a downer and spoilt their day but they were fine at hometime

Sounds like you could really do with some time out on your own to completely clear your head and refresh yourself - shopping, spa, bike ride!
Children are also very willing to put the past behind them so probably not thinking about it half as much as you

sounds like a walk in the park compared to my mornings