Childrens behaviour

[SophieLouise93]

Hi! I am just wondering if anyone can offer up any advice or pointers for me please!
I have a two year old and five year old girl and they are driving me bloody mad!! They don't listen to anything I say, don't do as I ask and it's horrible to admit but why are running all over me at the minute, I have hit a brick wall and I've no idea what to do or say to make them behave.
I mean kids will be kids but I need help!
We moved in February so it's just me and the kids due to splitting up with their dad, I know this will have effect on their behaviour but I just don't know what to do anymore
I'll admit, they probably are a little spoilt and I do give in at time to shut them up, so I am probably part of the problem

Has anyone got any pointers or advice on anything that has worked for you??

Thankyou! X

I've just posted about my 7 year old being a pain so probably not much help!

But I have found that giving 121 attention helps, call it 'special time'. They love it! All kids want is your attention basically.

I think you know the answer here @SophieLouise93 as you've said yourself that you give in just to shit them up.

Kids like clear boundaries so there's no point saying no if you're just going to say yes after they've pushed you about it

Decide on what you really don't want them to do, say no to those things and mean no.

Have you tried reward charts? I find they work really well for that age, especially the 5 year old. Sit down together and have a conversation about what is good behaviour and what isn’t etc. Decide on suitable rewards for every 10 stars etc. I find this works well but consistency is key!!

At that age we had a home version of the reward charts used at school (traffic lights). With sanctions if they get (for example) 3 reds in one day.

Things to try:

Nurture Breakfast:. same time every morning. This gives time to talk and listen. At weekends this can be made fun by incorporating a activity such as eye spy, hangman, a quiz or even a puzzle.

Sensory Eating Game:. Based on ITVs I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. Explore new foods through texture and taste. This is a great way to get kids to the table for lunch. Ingredients cut into small bite size pieces. Example:. A carrot cut into different shapes ie rounds or Barton's, cooked or raw.
Meats infused with flavours.
Have a themed lunch of Mexico or Indian Street Food. Taste can be adapted to allergies.

Reading: Dress up in make shift outfits made out of cereal boxes and tin foil and explore your panto voice.

Calming Exercises:. controlled Breathing and story imagination time. Let the children make up some of the story.

Behaviour:
List the behaviours in categories: ie if a cyclist cuts you up in front of your car you don't get out and punch him. You might swear at him or her. If the cyclist annoys you further your behaviour escalates. Look at the escalating behaviours. It will teach you how to prevent escalation and create restorative strategies.

Trust:
Look at what the children trust. Their safety net, safe space etc.

Hope this helps

I used to see parenting courses advertised at our primary school, which I think were run by the local authority. It might be worth asking.