2 on 1

[Morechocmorechoc]

What do you do when your young kids both share a room and act up at bed time. Not just a little naughty but completely ignoring everything you say.

I cant help but get so wound up I end up shouting a lot, loudly. My throat hurts. I always feel terrible for it but it's the ONLY way they listen. I've tried other methods and nothing. Like I'm a joke to them. Even taking away their favourite things, couldn't care less. I have to completely lose it for them to listen at all.

What do you all do wise mumsnetters?

How old are they?

age? bed time? what kind of mucking around?

3 and 5. Jumping on the beds. Getting out, getting into each others. Refusing to move. Kicking me when I try to move thrm. Kicking covers off. Anything other than laying in bed.

At that age there should be repercussions for kicking/ attacking you- are there any?
you could try putting them to bed at diff times, the 5yr old first as in school and the other one 30mins later.
don’t overly engage in convo- lights off (night light on) and walk out, they get up put them back, can do a reward chart if you think they may relish the contest between eachother (who can sleep best).
If the 3 yr old still naps cut it to make them tired.

Are they getting enough quality attention 121 with you during the day? Apparently 9 minutes focused attention is enough!

If you get to the point of feeling upset/angry/wanting to shout, just take yourself out of the situation for 5 minutes and look after your own feelings first. You can’t be there for them if you’re not there for yourself first.