DDs hate each other and me and i them.

[NaughtyNigel]

they are driving me bonkers. neither can open their mouths without being nasty about something, the other bites back, then it's 'mum, xx said this to me'. 'mum, xx did that to me'. constantly all the time. i'm begining to really dislike both of them. from the tone of their voices when they're whining and bickering, to the things they say to each other and me.
they are 10 and nearly 12 btw.
I've tried ignoring, shouting etc etc. and there's another week of holidays left. they both have birthdays around now so they've had lovely treats and days out.
And my hayfever has reached unbearable point yesterday and today and i feel like crap and don't want to referee any more.

No advice just sympathy, I guess they are growing up, I was a nightmare as a teenager.
I guess this is something I have to look forward to, have you taken some piriton or something?
It should be nicer weather next week I think so chuck them out.

time for a sit down round the table conference maybe? Spell out their behaviour to them, how affects you and each other, tell them you want to change it and they have to change too. Play the guilt card a bit (it upsets me when you are mean to each other, you are lucky to have each other etc etc). Tell them how fortunate they are to have treats and days out and they will be stopping if the behaviour doesn't change.

Be calm, don't yell, and you might see results.

Maybe?

calm. i am calm!
have taken antihistamine but most make me sleep. and i have to work later.
yes they are old enough to be able to listen and rationalise - maybe sitting them down is the way to do it. just can't face it at the mo.