I try to be calm but always end up shouting lately

[littleraysofsunshine]

I have. Just over four year old girl, and almost three yo girl. Also a baby 15mo boy. But the main issue is the girls.

I am constantly finding myself losing my rag too often. I'll ask them nicely to do something but firmly. Doesn't work so I end up asking a few times and they just don't listen until I pop.

Just now dd1 said she wanted a certain plate for dinner, then as soon as sister got the other one she changed her mind, but sister already started eating that choice of plate. Then she was screaming and kicking up a fuss. I tried to talk to her, take her away from the situation but made it worse. I then ended up shouting at her and slamming the door.i do t know why I do these immature things. We were both in tears and just horrible feeling.

I try my best to practise gentle parenting, but exhaustion and frustration takes it out of me. And I have no options left in that moment

Gosh, be gentle on yourself! You have three very young children who are all learning exciting, new ways to test your patience - sometimes you will get cross with them. I know its not ideal to shout, but we've all done it.

Weirdly I had exactly the same plate situation with my two DDs this weekend. And my eldest is 6! I picked up the plate that she didn't want and went to put the contents in the bin. She is enough of a glutton for that to make her stop complaining and beg for her food back! I probably shouldn't have threatened to throw her food in the bin - put it snapped her out of her rage, and we agreed she would have that plate at the next mealtime.

I'm sure you're doing a great job

It's just been on of those weeks I think. We've recently moved home and I think we sometimes underestimate how it affects them without them showing it.

I'm super tired too which doesn't help. I've just absolutely howled to my do in floods of tears and we spoke a lot about how it's all been.

I just find it tough sometimes when I've tried so hard to be patient then I end up shouting or being a shade of what I don't like. (Snappy, and ignorant) for a short while. Then I cry my eyes out with guilt. I know I try my best for my littles, then some days I think I can't actually do any more. I sometimes think if I were one of those slob parents what would these days be like? My dad says I do too much for them, try to be their friend and be supermum then I'm the one who feels lost some how. I want them to respect our family, not eventually listen out of fear from me shouting ?x

I'm amazed that you can be so clear and cogent when you're so tired and and you've just moved house, let alone looking after three kids!

I'm sure your kids absolutely adore you and if anyone asked them who was the best mummy in the world they would pick you It sounds to me like you are absolutely doing your best and that your Dad knows you well!

Tomorrow is another day... x

I am the same. My 5 yr old DD is a stoppy, tantrum, whingey little madam and I end up screeching at her every day and then hate myself (she knows exactly which buttons to press). My 3 yr old DS1 is the apple of my eye but can be a little brute sometimes and has a temper. My 2 yr old DS2 is generally an angel but sometimes the older two wind me up so much that I even end up shouting at him over something really minor. I am expecting DD2 in a few weeks so am knackered, also have three dogs (including a puppy), a DH who works very long hours 6 days a week and we are moving house next week so I am trying to cut myself some slack and accept that it isn't possible to me the perfect mummy all the time. Nobody warns you that parenting is exhausting and frustrating and generally impossible!!!