shouty mum

[yogabonkers]

i find i'm never done shouting at my kids.

i hate it. i feel terrible and they must think i'm a terrible mum.

they are 7 and 3 and are always fighting and arguing with each other, and winding each other up.

i tell them to do something and they dont do it, and i end up shouting to make them listen.

how can i stop shouting so much?

any thoughts?

I don't have older kids so don't have any experience but have you read "how to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk". I just read it and its really helpful.

thanks monkoray. i have just looked at it on amazon and it got loads of good review so i have ordered a copy. i hope it will be helpful.

I know exactly how you feel. My kids are boys aged 5 and 8 and they argue/fight constantly. It drives me insane and instead of dealing with it in a calm manner in order to try and diffuse the situation, like you I end up just yelling!

If it's any consolation, I read an article in the Times recently that said that sibling rivalry was essential for learning how to resolve conflict in later life!! So, I think it's natural and many parents go through it, but still doesn't make it a very pleasant experience.

Do you have two boys as I've heard this is worse than two girls or one of each?