My kids' behaviour is driving me nuts - just tell me I'm not alone, please

[frustratedsuperhero]

My kids are driving me so nuts that I'm currently having to leave the room sometimes just to cool off, rather than potentially blow up at them. Constant arguing, complaining at every meal I cook (except the manifestly unhealthy ones), challenging every decision I make, criticising me. Please, just tell me I'm not alone!

how old and how many?

DS1 is 9, DS2 is seven.

Welcome to my day!!!
DS's 4 and 8yrs. Constantly arguing if I dont provide daily entertainment. Think they are not used to spending all day together as DS1 at school usually.
I was so looking forward to the hols!!!!
However, I did blow at them today and said (well, shouted ) that I wasn't putting up with this for 2 weeks and they better be civil if they want any more days out!!!

I'll see what happens!!!

I feel your pain

mine (10 and 8) have been vile up until recently

As ever, my advice is fresh air and as much exercise as possible for them

limit nintendo/wii time

ignore what you can

keep buggering on

OK, so I'm not alone. Am I being sexist to ask whether there's a boy thing going on here?

um, maybe you should blow up at them so they can see that you are angry. Wont hurt them as long as you don't lose it and they need to learn that you cannot be that rude to someone and get away with it.

You have a point, MyCat. Loooking at the language I'm using here, I can see that I'm taking things very personally. Maybe I need to rise above it and (metaphorically) crack some heads together. I'm so bloody concerned about being a respectful parent, having had some fairly unrespectful parenting myself...

Think it's a holiday thing rather than a boy thing. My friend with 2 DDs is having similar. Improved weather will hopefully help for the next few days.

Looooooong bike rides!!!!

Does anyone elses 7/8yr old have a complete inability to entertain himself??? Little one plays for hours, big one whines about how bored he is??? As if he hasn't got a bedroom full of toys/books etc???
Agreee to limiting screen stuff as DS1 would do only that if allowed to!

Yes! My 7-year-old utterly unable to entertain himself, and would far rather get negative attention (e.g. being thumped by DS1) than none at all. Breathe and count, breathe and count.

Am breathing with you....

Maybe i should remind him of his holiday homework if he gets too 'bored' [mean parent]

One sure-fire trick is suggesting some useful chores he could get involved in, if he's too bored. When he's genuine, it's led to some really nice times cooking, doing laundry etc together. When he's faking, it sends him out sharpish.

I wonder if it's the age? Ds is 7.5 and has just entered a horrid phase. He tantrums like a 2 yr old, and he never tantrumed at that age. And he plays football all day, in the hallway (when not at the park, playing football with his mates)

Thank you, mumsnetters. I've never posted before and was feeling pretty down when I started this thread. It's just good to know this is a common experience.

I have one like that Franca. Using his little brother as a goalpost!
Do they get a hormone surge around now??? DS's teacher said Yr 3 is the start of puberty. I ignored her as being completely mad but maybe she's right!
The chores thing sounds like a good idea. DS actually likes a bit of cooking. As long as it involves a bowl to lick out.

This has also made me feel better, knowing that my kids are not abnormally naughty/irritating.
Am feeling bad about shouting today though. Even snatched Ds1's DS off him and flung it on the sofa as he dared to carry on playing it as I was laying down the law . Will be a nicer Mummy tomorrow...

I hope it's just a hormone surge then...
Frankly, up until 2 months ago I was pretty smug re ds...