Hello all,
I’m struggling with my 2 eldest boys, aged 8 and 13.
They are constantly fighting/arguing/picking on/teasing/trying to outdo or catch each other out... I don’t mean occasionally, I mean CONSTANTLY. Literally, no more than 3 words can pass each other’s lips before one starts arguing with the other.
I am in a relationship (4 years - not their biological father and doesn’t live with us) and he really struggles with being able to forgive them and move on after things have been particularly hard work. I am poorly myself so their behaviour is even more exhausting, but, perhaps, as their mother, I am able to see past it at times.
An example where I would love your opinions is at bedtime. They come and kiss me goodnight, I tell them that I love them and they put themselves to bed. I do this regardless of how they have behaved as I feel that is important that they know that I love them, and to be reassured, even if I have been yelling 10 minutes previously. My partner is unable to do this. The boys generally say goodnight and shake his hand as he has never really felt comfortable with them kissing him. He is unable to do this when they have been naughty and so when they come to say goodnight, he will often avoid eye contact with them and refuse to shake their hands, simply only saying ‘goodnight’ in a clearly peed off tone.
What do you think?