Becoming a better parent - Daily Challenge, anyone?

[sootythecat]

I want to change so much about the way I parent but it is too much to do in one day, I do not have the energy or organisation skills! So I've decided for 2 weeks to think of one thing to change each day, and see how things are at the end of the 2 weeks.

Today: Late afternoons are rubbish for me, we go out for a trip somewhere then get home its cold and dark, the kids are whingy, I'm tired and I give up and put the TV on. Today, instead, at 4.30 we are going to bake some rice crispy cakes and then do nursery rhyme action songs, and not put the TV on till 5pm.

Would anyone like to join me? What one change are you going to make today?

[stopthebusiwanttogetoff]

I seem to parent my ds just fine, but my parenting doesn't seem to suit my dd atm. My ds just gets on with it - I don't have to yell at him, he is independent, chilled and generally cooperative. We seem to have a similar bodyclock and shared understanding of how the day goes and when I might have time. Sure I snap at him and lose it occasionally, but it really is a rare occasion.
My dd and I are however are driving each other demented. We never want the same things at the same time. I feel like she is contrary and sometimes down right horrid!!! I lost it yesterday when she screamed in my face then threw a shoe at my head and laughed, after I'd been at work all day and then taken them to pizza express for a treat after ASC.
They're at their dad's tonight so I feel guilty as hell, although we had an okayish a.m. before work, with only one melt down from dd...

I will be a better mum tomorrow by.... Well that's the problem I don't fucking know. Do I lovebomb her because she is knackered and needs security (poor thing is only 5) or is she a spoilt little brat who needs boundaries??? (main daily tantrums about walking ten mins home/ getting hair-brushed/ eating/ what to wear). So i could carry her, leave her fucking hair (blond afro) and let her starve and go to school in a tutu; or I can face the battles, we have reward charts galore.

Last night I screamed and ranted and then burst into tears, my poor ds didnt know what to do and was stunned and lovely, my dd went and played in her room til i went up for her. Then we all apologised and cuddled and it was fine, but I fell shit for my ds and for my crying in front of them.

Jeez. total thread hijack sorry. Wtf do I do better tomorrow. Not raise my voice or put on my demon controlled anger evil calm voice. Be nice.