Please help I'm at the end of my tether

[Honey1975]

I've taken a week off work for eater hols and quite frankly wish I hadn't.

My DC's (ds 10 & dd 6) are a nightmare. They constantly argue, I am constantly breaking up arguements. Yesterday was hell. We wanted a day at home to relax after a busy weekend but it was so stressful.
DS thinks the kids playroom is his domain and just lolls around on xbox all day. Rude to me, horrible to sister.

DD wants me to entertain her for every waking moment of her day. Nothings ever quite right or how she wants it and tears and tantrums follow. She is normally very good girl when she's at school.

Today we are going out thank god but DS is moaning he doesnt like where we're going and DD has had a paddy about what to wear. They've argued this morning already and he still thinks he has the right to hog the tv in the playroom so she's had a meltdown.

I have a chronic condition which has flared up a bit recently so I am in some discomfort and am tired. Stress makes it worse and I feel
like I just can't cope. They are such hard work and I feel i'd be better off at work which makes me sad to say.

Please please can anyone offer any advice? I don't know why I can't seem to cope when other people are having lovely times over the holidays. 😟

I think holidays can be hard with kids and you have the added health issues so I'm not suprised your funding it tough

Is buddying up with another family with kids an option for a day? That way they can play with the other kids?

Equally though, at 8 and 10 they are plenty old enough to understand that their behaviour is unacceptable - nothing wrong with telling them that you are feeling unwell and that if they cannot behave in a reasonable manner they won't be going anywhere and will have to just sit in their rooms!

I hope you manage to have a decent day out today and things improve for the rest of the week for you!

I feel you and I think school holidays are difficult because everyone isn't used to being around each other constantly. 6 and 10 must be quite hard as they're at very different stages. I'd do my best to ignore the moaning and get out of the house asap. Any chance of getting family or friends to share/help so you can get some 1 on 1 time with each? Is your partner, if you have one, taking any time off? put 6 year old to bed before 10yo and spend some time with him? They may act like they don't want time with us, but it can make a world of difference to their behaviour.

I always recommend ahaparenting.com website and it has some great ideas for sibling issues. Mine love each other so far, it's me they take turns to be angry with!

Hope your day improves

Oh and don't be fooled by facebook etc into thinking that everyone else is having a great time - it's all carefully chosen and edited moments! I'm finding it hard and have had horrible episodes of shouting at mine.

Rota for playroom tv? Or earn the right? Sanctions for rude behaviour like removing x box?

DS thinks the kids playroom is his domain and just lolls around on xbox all day. Rude to me, horrible to sister.

This is likely to be all connected. Take the Xbox out for a week.

Holidays are hard work. Not everyone is having a lovely time effortlessly so don’t be fooled.

I think it’s easier if you go out. I’d rather take them out in the rain then put up with the misery at home.

I also think that too much Xbox can make some kids moody. Mine only go on it after 3 so they have to find something else to do, which usually involves some chores too.
They seem to respond better to a routine even for a day off but it does involve me in structuring some activities.

Does your dd get on with things if you start her off? Google toilet roll crafts or simple crafts and give your dcs some bits and bobs to make things.

We ve also had some success with making and decorating biscuits (give each child their own bowl of ingredients) and baking bread.

Good luck and I hope the rest of your week is enjoyable.