Anyone feeling the strain of the summer holidays?

[rickman]

Message withdrawn

You're not alone. The holidays are hell IMO. The house looks like it's been burgled and I spent yesterday afternoon shouting at the little horrors that if they didn't start tidying up I would put their stuff in the bin. Ds1 promptly burst into tears, picked up his much treasured Dalek and ran out of the room. How shitty did I feel?

I took them out for the day yesterday (park with paddling pool and sandpit) and it still ended with ds2 screaming all the way home and ds1 complaining that his legs hurt.

I don't think it makes you a bad parent. These bloody holidays would try the patience of a saint.

No. I'm loving it.

Mind you I've had quite a few days off work so that helps. And working does mean that I don't have to deal with them all the time.

But they are relaxed and lovely. Even DS#1 and DD love each other - they insist on sleeping in DS#1's bed together which is so sweet. Normally they are at it tooth and nail! DD is in the front room with a neighbours little girl and DS#2 watching Cat in the Hat. DS#1 is at a friends house. DS#2 is sitting on the carpet with the mixing bowl covered with chocolate cake mixture. No shouting, no crying, no arguements. It's almost like the bloody Waltons .

Yes the house is a mess which I hate - but it's a controlled mess 'cos I'm home (another matter when DH is home with the kids - then I have to psych myself up before I can walk in the door after work ).

It's reminding me why I wanted kids in the first place. However there are still 3 weeks to go so anything could happen....

BTW sorry for sounding smug .

Have to say that I do share the guilt for not doing more with them. Especially DS#2. I am supposed to be working from home today so I have some excuse but not always.

I am longing for the familiar routine of schooldays and a semi-quiet household.

Oh lordie - it's hell on earth here.

DD has just had the mother of all tantrums in front of the clinical psychologist (who was visiting) of all people. DS has definately matured into a 'Kevin ' this summer and nothing pleases him other than a round of golf (which is costing me an arm and a leg!)

Just sent you a PM Rickman.