Tips on restoring my calm exterior please

[Chiefwitchfromdownsouth]

Can anyone advise me dd- age 11, has been so stroppy (answering back, refusing to do as asked, telling lies, being rude to teachers at school... I could go on) over the pass couple of months, that I got tired fed up and finally lost it with her on Friday, told her I'd had enough and can just about speak to her. She knows there's something up, as she's trying to be extra good, but I'm still so cross ... Help...How do I get over myself and this situation?????

Don't rush. Do compartmentalise. There's nothing wrong with staying cross for the benefit of DD and it seems to be both justified and having the desired effect. So treat that as something separate and let it run its course. Rest of the time, do other things that you enjoy, find relaxing, can laugh at etc. No need to make yourself miserable just because you've had to get angry.

CogitoErgo thanks for the advice. After more bad behaviour at we had a stand off tonight, I refused to give in and eventually DD saw that this wasn't going to get her way, she got on with my request i.e. to do 30 mins Maths homework, we even managed to have a laugh [relief].

I'm trying not to be miserable- glass of wine in hand and watching QI.

got nothing to add except i feel you pain, they can be little buggers - could possibly come up with some suggestions but by this time of the night and the two of the little darlings now in bed, i zombie out :o