Why are my children so irritating?

[LizzieWizzy]

Most people find other people's children irritating but I find my own incredibly annoying. They whinge, moan, fight, demand, ask me questions constantly, invade my privacy constantly, vie for my attention constantly, talk at me at the same time... I feel like my head is going to explode. Is this normal or is it because I am a struggling single full time working mum? They seem to be completely spoilt although they actually get next to nothing and spend most of their days including holidays in childcare or school. I don't understand!

As a fellow full-time working mum, I hope you will not find it judgy when I say that your children are seeking your attention because they want more of it.

Also you have no-one to share the load with and I'm sure you are often tired and wanting your own space (know the feeling).

I spent half-term at home with my DSs and actually enjoyed spending time with them this time, usually it's at the end of a working day when I am trying to get stuff done.

how old are the children?

It's because you are a struggling single full-time working mum.

I have a DS of 9 and a DD of 7. I try and do activities with them at the weekends and and spend a few holidays (3 weeks in the summer and Easter usually) with them but it seems to make the attention seeking worse and makes me feel even more worn out.

I think it's the lot of single mums who have to do everything and be everything for for their dcs- mine are 9, 7 and 5 and by seven thirty I am so sick of them and their demands that I can barely keep civil although I love them dearly. I don't think you're alone by any means.

I am a temporary single mum, dh has been away since the summer and will be until xmas and my dcs are driving me up the wall. So full, full sympathy. Single mothers are heroines, all of you, I am not worthy

I agree that it is SO hard on your own.

DH went away last week (with 2 whole weekends away).

By the end of it I just SO couldn't be bothered and was VVV tired.

We curled up together on the sofa, they watched a dvd, I read my book, we ate sandwiches and crisps.

I'm not suggesting that for every night, but give yourself a little lee-way sometimes.

Our half-term was great because we didn't go anywhere or do any activities really.

ooh, this sounds like my dc, they are 11 and 6. I am a single parent and work full time too, and i realise that both my kids are just desparate for my attention. Not to mention we have a horse i have to visit most nights.
Sometimes i find myself trying to lock myself in the bathroom just for 5mins peace but they always manage to break down the door somehow!

mine are the same - 14 and 9 - think other posters are right - it's attention seeking.

My two boys also fight alot. Then I and ds2 go in kitchen to escape ds1 (who instigates fighting) and then ds1 gets upset because he is alone.

I think its got worse since dark evenings and was thinking last night how are we to get through the next few months.

I am totally drained by it all.

I find its good idea to invite friends round with their dcs as it breaks things up a bit.

Last Sat I had a friend ring (needed an ear) and the boys were shouting in the background.

So I have to have private conversations at other times or in the garden

they are old enough at 9 and 7 for you to sit down calmly with themn eg on a weekend and agree a timetable eg each night from 8-830 they not to bother you etc. but that other times you will do xxx and yy together.

talk to them about this - what do they want from you? how can you work it out with them?

if necessary get some outside help, go on a positive parenting course, etc