A postcard from Tether's End (aka the moanings of a VERY stressed mother)

[sensesworkingovertime]

You don't want to know the gory details (see route plan) of my journey but surfice to say I have reached Tether's End...it aint a nice place to be. The route consisted of:-

-screeching DD (10 yrs)

• back- sassing DS (13yrs)
• arguing siblings (see above)
• DS and DD not listening to a word you say
• DS and DD arguing the toss about everything

I reached the crossroads, one direction signposted 'SHOUT', the other said 'GO INSANE' so I chose the first path. Luckily I then found a path signposted 'CHUCK THEM BOTH OUTSIDE TO LOOK AFTER PETS' I told them I could swap them both for a couple of babies and get more done (trying to get things sorted for holiday). Seems to have worked up to now.

Has anyone else been to Tether's End?

Yes. My sympathies. No babies to swap with, sorry. But if you can think of a few things they'd really hate to have taken away (phone, computer/TV time, sweets, whatever), threatening to take them away with immediate effect might be your ticket back to sunny sanity. If they carry on, invoke full force of penalty, and do not falter until they behave like reasonable people. Alternatively, get them to bake a cake together and tell them they can eat it, but only if they cooperate angelically. If not, you will. Alone.

Love the good and sane advice Choco, thank you.

I'm a little bit scared now, I could pretty much have written your post about ds1 the problem is he's only 3. Does this mean the screeching and tantrums and selective hearing don't go away or do they come back in the run up to the teenage weirdness. I'm not sure i'm going to survive toddler wobbles never mind have to do it again.

What a coincidence! I've been spending much of my time at my Tether's End too. I feel your pain.

Mine are 5 (never stops talking, arguing, protesting) and 2 (never stops bouncing around, knocking into things, giggling/screaming in equal measure).

Going to (paid) work today while they went to the childminder was actually a welcome break.

MidnightKnitter - I too have been longing for them to grow up but it seems new challenges replace them. At least we'll get more sleep though eh?

I bleeding hope so Mine are in cahoots ds2 (7months) keeps me up half the night and darling toddler gets up at stupid o'clock then spends the day tearing about at a hundred miles an hour and making so much noise that he wakes his brother cue screaming baby. I'm hoping it is possible to get return tickets from Tethers End.

Sorry, not meaning to panic you all with my little joke! They have been much better today, as I am sure you have better days Midnight etc?

I am just hoping my 10 yr old DD is getting her teenage attitude over and done with early and then age 13-19 will be a walk in the park.

I can wish.

This thread's making me uncomfortable