I have 2 DDs age 8and 6, who seem to either be constantly at each other's throats or else when they are getting on they wind each other up and egg each other on to the point of ridiculous silliness so I end up getting really cross with them. We've had some lovely days out this week which have almost been ruined by the way they are together.
DD1 in particular will say quite horrible things to DD2, calling her disgusting, saying she eats so loudly she won't sit next to her etc, but DD2 will often retaliate with a thump or a kick which just makes the situation worse. DD2 is also constantly 'telling on' DD1, 'she said I smell, she called me a meanie' etc. I feel like I'm constantly nagging and telling them off, taking things away for bad behaviour, reminding them we use kind words etc, it just doesn't sink in. Often DD1 will say she wishes she didn't have a sister, she doesn't love DD2. When they are getting on it often descends into complete silliness, for example today we were in a restaurant and I ended up sending them to wait for
me outside while I paid the bill because they were giggling, being generally loud and probably very annoying to other customers. I told them off, DD1 ended up sulking then crying, saying she thought I was always saying I wanted them to get along.
I'm a single parent and took this week off to be with them and to be honest feel a bit of a failure and that their behaviour has ruined what was supposed to be a really lovely week.