Argumentative children!!

[SmiledWithTheRisingSun]

Arrrgh can I just vent please?
I'm having a hard time not loosing my temper with my DC this weekend.
They're arguing about EVERYTHING.
I've just had enough.
They're not even teenagers yet.
So tired. Not feeling like I'm being the best parent right now. 😥

When mine did this I'd break it up immediately. I'd just say: I can't stand hearing you fight. It makes me sad and stressed, so you have a choice: play nicely together or play separately in your rooms.

If they chose to stay together but bickered, I'd just say, OK - each go to your rooms and play separately until you can play together without fighting.

Separating them was non negotiable, but there was no time out. if they chose to get back together after 5 mins, that was fine.

I did often hear them start to get snippy then whisper to each other, 'No, let's talk nicely or she'll make us play on our own.'

It worked. No time outs, no arguments. Just a non negotiable choice that they were in charge of sorting out.

Thanks wood - yes I do that too when they argue with each other.
It's the arguing with me all the time that's exhausting. Especially the 9yr old. I feel like I'm losing my patience with them too often 🙁