I have a ds1 of 10, ds 2 is 8. They do argue a lot,but don't most siblings? They can be very loving and the other day we went to a carvery and the chef said that they were 2 of the most polite children he has served. Dh works away for 2 weeks at a time and is at home for 2 weeks and ds2, who has always been temperamental is getting worse and worse when dh is away.
They always seem to argue pushing against each other as they walk to school etc. Ds 2 will throw ds1s clothes around the room when he is tyring to get dressed (only when dh is away, mind you). Today I was waiting for them after school with a friend. She has 2 kids and they are always really quiet and well behaved. Mine came out and as soon as they saw each other started arguing and really kicking each other because they both wanted to go on the ps2 when they got home (needless to say, no one did). Ds2 swore in front of my friend and rudely told me to shut up.
She just gave me a really funny look and I said to her that she must think that I am a really bad mother. Of course she said she did't but this has happened in front of her a couple of times before, so she must think that. Its like they save it up for when she is around. I have tried different things when they are like this, no pocket money, early bedtime etc. but it still happens again. They have been really good since they come home, ds2 says he is sorry etc. bit I know it will happen again.
I have no trouble with them at school, I have been told by their teachers they are both very bright and well behaved. DH is away now and I am just sitting brooding that my friend must deep down think what a useless mum i am that i can't control my own kids.