Anybody feel outnumbered by the force of their close in age older kids?

[Outnumbered221]

I have been finding this really hard lately. I wanted to watch Downton Abbey the other night and they both wanted to watch something else at the same time and I insisted. My house, my tv, sorry, good night. But not only was there a big hoo haa but they were both united in their indignance. They're both clever, and both very good at arguing. They're like barristers cross-examining me sometimes. They are doing well at school, they don't shout at me. They're grateful for the things I buy them. But they're a united force against me when what they want is the same thing. It's kind of frightening me a bit.

I feel like that quite a bit and my kids are still very young but due to the circumstances with their dad and me knowing that I probably can't keep them safe from him forever I am guilty of encouraging them to stick together and fight each others corners so its a price I have to pay!!

I am sure I will regret it when they're older though because they really are very good at it

I think they would be very grateful if you bought another TV or maybe soon they can put their talents to good use and go and get a job and buy their own TV sounds like you have done a good job bringing them up. It can be scary when they are the strong, intelligent characters you wanted them to be.

I feel like that with one 8 yr old, I sympathise with the 'tag team' approach of 2!

Keep repeating 'This is not a democracy,this is a benevolent dictatorship'.

Good luck!

I have two dcs that try that with me but I tend to negotiate separately -divide and conquer. I concentrate on the one who I know will fold first.

my boys do this and theyre only 7 and 5!!

I too feel outnumbered sometimes and mine are 3 and 6