i just don't understand kids!

[fuckadoodlepoopoo]

Im useless! I just don't understand what goes on in their heads and i wish i did!

This morning it was time to go to school so i told my daughter, nearly 7, to turn the telly off. She responded with a mini tantrum and a pleeeease!!!

I then had a mini tantrum off my own (see great aren't i) and ranted a bit.

I asked her to explain what was going on in her head. Did she think i could miraculously make more time to watch telly, did she think the headteacher would be happy for her to be late to school and agree that the program that was on was more important, did she think i would just let her stay home from school?

She had no answer.

I suspect that the answer was just that she's young and so was in the moment and just wanted to do what she wanted to do. This is clearer to me now but in the moment didn't occur to me.

I wish there was a book or something that actually explained them. Or rather i wish i just understood them instinctively like some people i know.

I hate being such a rubbish mum.

Yeah i know, Im a terrible example!

I've read a lot of books but no supernanny ones. I assumed they were all about the naughty step etc and sleeping patterns. Neither of which i need help with.

I just know that instinctively i don't understand children and if i did i would be a much better mum. As a result i often expect too much from them and also have not much patience and don't deal with stress well.

It all adds up to crap mum syndrome.

Thank you very much for your reply. Will get that book.

Just to add, making a game of something, " See how fast you can do X!" can sometimes motivate little kids to get on and do something. I even resorted to an old fashioned egg timer type thing to jolly them along sometimes. That wears off eventually but keep it short and snappy without being short and snappy, IYSWIM, .

End of term they're always a bit tired and stroppy in between the delights of seasonal parties, concerts etc.

one solution which i did was to not have the tv on in the morning. no more stropping about seeing/missing the next bit , advert etc

I use to turn the tv off at the main switch (electric cupboard) when he was younger to get him to move away.