DC (7yo and 3yo) really test mine and DH patience to the limit. They don't listen when I tell them to do anything, it's like we are on supernanny 24/7! Wild behaviour in public, running and screaming everywhere when other kids seem angelic and well behaved.
It's starting to wear me down, when they finally go to bed (again refusal to stay in rooms, it feels like a nightly battleground) after much screaming and shouting from me, I feel absolutely worn out.
At school I've been told they are polite and well mannered, why can't they behave like that at home?
This morning DD (7yo) refused to do as I told her and I ended up walking away crying as I felt so helpless, they seem to be in control not me.
My father - in - law keeps saying that they need firm discipline as in smacking but I don't want to resort to that, I witnessed a friend smacking her DS a few years back and it didn't seem to stop his behaviour.
Sorry for the rant but other than reward/ consequences, shouting/calm talking is there to stop my continuing stress? I feel like I am constantly telling them off and a rubbish mother, husband is just as frustrated too.
Can anyone help, am I too soft? When I shout I still feel like they don't listen! Arrgh!
Thanks for your patience with this post.