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Twin behaviour and discipline - 5 yr olds

18 replies

SippingSipsmith · 01/05/2018 09:04

Help me. My DT are driving me insane.

They get each other over excited all the time which results in not listening to me and listening to each other. If they're not doing that, they're fighting and squabbling or competing for my attention.

I end up embarrassed of them all the time especially when we are out or with friends and they're not listening to a word I'm saying as they are being silly/wrestling/laughing.

Has anyone had the same with their DT and can advise? My DH works long hours and although DT are in school I'm exhausted by 7pm of repeating myself, breaking up fighting, dealing with tantrums. School has almost made things worse at times as they're so tired.

I've tried the step, pasta jar, reward charts. In the heat of the moment they just don't care if they're having something taken away from them.

Are there any simple and effective techniques.

Honestly when it's just one of them they are completely different children. When they are together - which is 99% of the time - they appear hyper and out of control.

TIA

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
neversleepagain · 01/05/2018 14:19

Are your twins my twins? We are in the exact same position so I have no advice, just understanding and sympathy.

When mine are with me alone they are completely different, an absolute joy!

Sending strength and patience.

neversleepagain · 01/05/2018 14:19

Mine are 5 too (6 in September).

SippingSipsmith · 01/05/2018 16:07

Haha neversleepagain (apt username). Let me know if you find anything that helps. Only gin is helping at the moment.

I don't know if people have the same issue with siblings of different ages but I feel like we have a reputation among friends for having crazy kids now.

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m0therofdragons · 01/05/2018 21:55

Mine are 6. All the other kids stand with their parents waiting to go into school. Mine whiz around like over excited puppies 🤦🏻‍♀️ and like you say 1:1 time is fine but how rare is that?

Mine aren't overly naughty right now just lively and only have 2 volume settings - Loud or asleep!

Taytotots · 02/05/2018 10:18

My DT (5) are the same - sorry no advice, let us know if you find the solution! My girl will also egg my boy on to misbehaving (usually in a loud whisper so I can hear Hmm). Like you say op when they get hyper they really don't care about consequences. They are lovely together a lot of the time and I think the manic episodes are slowly improving. I'm also trying to avoid triggers such as tiredness - hard though when one is those barriers for queues in airports that they seem to view as their own personal obstacle course Hmm. I find myself counting down from five a lot in a stern voice - that usually works (no idea what they think happens at 0!). Or as you said gin Grin.

SippingSipsmith · 02/05/2018 13:09

Yes M0therofdragons - they run around me in circles while I'm getting tangled up in all the school bags and coats. Everyone else's kids just stand waiting for the gate to open Blush

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SippingSipsmith · 02/05/2018 13:12

Yes taytotots - we count up to 5 here... constantly. I've noticed Singleton parents count to 3 Grin

At least it's refreshing to hear it's not just me having issues.

They are good as gold at school and real teachers pets!

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Taytotots · 03/05/2018 02:31

Yes ours are really well behaved for everyone else too - just not us! Funny about the 3/5 split - I will have to listen out now.

Happyandshiney · 03/05/2018 03:04

I have never understood why anyone counts. It’s the single least effective disciple method I’ve ever seen! Grin

Here is what worked for us (they were hooligans at three and are delightful at ten):

There is little point standing at the door to a room shouting/repeating/being ignored. You’ll just end up stressed and with a headache.

Crouch down to their eye level, make eye contact with each child.
Touch them to make sure they are looking at you.
Low firm voice. Not shouting, not angry but you have to sound like you mean it. (You do have to mean it)

I’m a big believer in giving at advance notice of things. We are leaving in ten minutes, screens off, shoes and loo right now.

If screens don’t go off, switch them off. Pick one child and send them
for shoes, send the other to the loo. Make it a race.

Anyone fighting after one warning gets a housework chore to do. Emptying dishwasher. Dusting. Hoovering. Pairing socks. In separate rooms.

If you don’t know who is in the right regarding the toy they are fighting over neither gets it, it goes on a high shelf.

If they are fighting over which tv programme to watch it goes off completely.

If they aren’t great at taking turns buy a timer (or use the cooker timer)

Never threaten anything you aren’t actually prepared to carry out. So if you say “do that again and we’re going home you do actually have to go home instantly if they do it again.

Never give into tantrums. Ever. Teach them that as soon as a tantrum starts any likelihood of getting their own way is gone.

Be clear in different types of “no”. Sometimes we knee jerk “no” but are actually open to negotiation. Sometimes the no is final. Tell them. “I said no and I’m not going to change my mind, don’t ask again”.

Never be frightened to tell that they haven’t behaved to an acceptable standard or have let you down in public. They’re old enough to know and try to do better.

If you need to tell one off remove them from the room their twin is in. It prevents them giving each other positive feedback. Eye level/low form voice.

Remind them just before you go somewhere (a shop, granny’s, a party etc) what kind of behaviour is required. Eg I want to see excellent behaviour today, please and thank yous, taking turns nicely (or whatever)

Praise them lavishly (and individually) for good behaviour. Again I do this at eyelevel, having quietly taken them to the side. I’m so proud of you/that was super behaviour/X’s Mummy said you were a pleasure to have etc etc

Try to spend time one on one. Eg one weeds the garden with Mummy and the other goes to the shop with Daddy or whatever. Separate stories at bedtime.

Finally, get them as much exercise as possible every single day. Long walks/cycling/the park/sports classes etc It really helps.

Good luck FlowersCakeWine

feesh · 03/05/2018 03:23

My 5 year old DTs are like this when they’ve had sugar. Have you tried cutting it down? Seriously it makes a massive difference on their behaviour.

Movablefeast · 03/05/2018 03:27

Happy I had 3 singletons but think your advice is excellent. Are you Super Nanny?

Happyandshiney · 03/05/2018 04:12

Sadly not Movable! Grin

mammmamia · 04/05/2018 08:54

Mine are 8 and they are still a bit like this!
Most of the time they’re absolutely lovely but they can get a bit silly and egg each other on.
Since they were toddlers they have always needed lots of walks and exercise - like puppies Grin and we now have a points systems which works well - they get rewarded for good behaviour.

Didiplanthis · 06/05/2018 20:52

Mine are 6 are exactly like this !! Add in ASD and it's hell... No advice but hanging on in there...

SippingSipsmith · 09/05/2018 09:46

Happyandshiny I am quite strict with stuff unless I'm tired which is a lot as I'm constantly repeating myself. It's a vicious cycle! Thanks for the above.

Another morning of them listening to each other instead of me. Whole street must have heard me shouting SHOES. They're in their own little world!

OP posts:
SippingSipsmith · 09/05/2018 09:47

And glad to hear it's not just us at least! New reward chart currently in place!

OP posts:
SippingSipsmith · 09/05/2018 09:48

Happyandshiny love the dishing out chores for fighting. I am definitely going to do this

OP posts:
mammmamia · 09/05/2018 20:52

sipping my neighbours must hear me shouting SHOES every morning as well Blush

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