Had an awful day!

[Willthisworknow]

Got 3 kids. 2 girls and a boy. I work full time but do compressed hours ie 5 days in 4 with a Wednesday off. Kids are nearly 2, 4 and 5. I'm having real trouble with the middle one and she has wound me up so much I've shouted at her so much today I feel dizzy (got vertigo right now). My middle child is constantly crying for every little thing.. If I don't give her the right cereal, don't immediately get her drink. If her little sister takes something off her. And the creme de la creme is she's started to wet herself and poo herself. Tonight she played with her brother and she pooed while playing with him. Normally I don't react, but shed smeared it into the carpet. Was so annoyed and told her she needed to wear a nappy. She freaked! Then tonight she was demanding this and that, I lost it!!!

I have issues with my middle child as well, but I don't work so slightly different home life. He also has regular accidents (waiting for medication from GP to sort out a bowel issue) which I find very difficult to deal with. I have to work very, very hard to focus on him and give him undivided attention for just a few minutes a day and it makes a huge difference. It got to a point where he was saying he didn't love me (because I shout too much, am no fun etc) and it took months to turn things around.
Tomorrow's a new day, give her extra cuddles and work out a longer term plan (time out for you, 1:1 time with each child, day out/special treats).

Yes give her ten minutes of focussed attention a day - whatever it is she wants to play and you do it nwithin reason. Ignore whining, tell her to ask nicely and don't shout.