Do you ever get days like this?

[earlgrey]

Most of the time, my two dds (6 and 8) are gorgeous.

Today, however, I want to weep. I've done EVERYTHING for them this past week, and yet still they choose the silliest thing to bicker about.

Spoke to Mum tonight, who said ' You do know X and X says I'm (and my sister) are bossy, don't you?' Is it somethin I've done terribly wrong? How can I sit here, head in hands, with two beautiful girls who can't get on with one another?

H had the day off today - in prepration for our holiday. We had a 'phone call last night from some German friends who dds used to be at school with. You'd think they'd be happy to see them - they were. And then we got home.

I think it's just normal sibling stuff. Not that that makes your life any easier.

Tomorrow's a new day, eh?

Tripp, how do I know if it is, or if it's me that's going beserk?

And I wonder, seeing my sister who's an ex-primary teacher turned teaching assistant, if I'm just being too bloomin' casual with them. What am I turning out? Gorgeous girls, at 8, but what thereafter?

I've had bickering children today - quite tempted to lock them in the shoe cupboard. Dd2 (10) and ds (9) are fantastic but bicker constantly - v close together in age. Lovely day out but they can't help themselves. Drives me mad.

Have spent last 2 days reminding myself how lucky I am to have my dd & ds (4&3). Not convinced though. Fact is, children are as difficult and stroppy as adults but with less rationality and sense. Walk away and count to 10...

I would say this is par for the course, nothing wrong with you or your girls. My dds (10 and nearly 8)have been bickering quite a bit.

I stay out of it as much as possible and blank them. Until I start twitching. And if we're about the house, at certain times I tell them I'm busy (working on the computer, sorting through clothes, reading the paper) and they can go away and play. But then I think a bit of benign neglect is good for kids! And luckily, they can often go and find a pal to play with.