I AM GOING CRAZY

[muppet0013]

This is not going to be a very sensible message. I just feel like I need somewhere to rant. I have twins who are 2 yrs (a boy and a girl) and a 5 year old daughter. The twins are so demanding, whiny, clingy, naughty and just don't listen. I am strict and I follow through on all my punishments which is mainly the naughty step, taking away their toy or whatever, but they are clearly immune to discipline and every day is the same, just telling them off only for them to do it two seconds later. Meal times are the WORST. The twins just won't eat unless we are threatening them with punishments and dragging them off to the naughty literally. every. single. mouthful. There's constant screaming and drama and I can't remember the last time I had a hot meal. Plus my 5 year old is now starting to play up because all our attention is diverted on them. Cheeky, rude and real problems going to bed. It's just whining all the time from all three of them and I have no patience left. I have found myself screaming at my eldest at the top of my voice for three nights in a row now - I don't think I ever raised my voice to her for 5 years previously! I am actually starting to dread each new day which has never happened before. I love my kids but I don't even know if I like them at the moment. Not sure what I want from this but I just need to vent.

Hi, I'm not sure that I have any useful advice for you or even if that is what you are looking for but didnt want to leave you unanswered and wanted you to know that you are not alone!
I have twin boys who are just 3 and we have had and still do have many days exactly as you describe! Distraction works the best for us here to fend off the major tantrums before they get into full force :) Other than that I have nothing for you except to tell you to keep plugging away, it gets better, they get older, its just a phase and one day you wont remember this stage!

Thanks for the support. It's good to know that there are other peope out there having the same experiences. Though it does concern me that yours are 3 and it's still the same!! :) Trying to get some perspective on everything but it's just something about twin 2 yr olds and their combined powers of relentless screaming, tantrums and moaning... I have a night away from the kids for a friend's hen night this weekend so I'm hoping I come back a little more sane on Sunday!

Aw my boys are 9 now, and have always been sooo good, but boy am I paying for it now.

It's non-stop bickering with each other, walking round the house like stroppy teenagers, flying off the handle at the slightest thing. I've always used positive discipline methods, and they just shrug them off now

I think the thing with twins is that they are always together, always have someone to wind them up, back them up, irritate each other, they always have an audience for their behaviour.

I think they just have to go through it. Hopefully yours are getting out of the way early :)

My advice from my nine years, if they are misbehaving separate them. If they need to be disciplined do it out of eye and ear shot of the other. I know meal times should be a family thing, but if they misbehave at the table, I would just remove the plate and then remove them. Don't give them the chance to come back, or have a snack before the next meal. and ignore which ever one has misbehaved. I know it sounds harsh, but they only need to be hungry a couple of times for them to learn.
Or the old rewards chart worked wonders for us? we bought a laminator and made our own, putting their favourite characters on.......

Twins are such a blessing but defo a challenge lol

My twins are only 3 months so nothing great in the way of experienced advice to offer as yet, but what Bt13 said sounds spot on from what I have learned of disciplining kids! Especially the food thing, don't worry if they don't eat, they'll soon learn that it means hunger.