I've lost the plot

[TeddyBared]

I have finally cracked this evening. My three sons are driving me mad. They are 5,4 and 3. They fight all the time and wind each other up. I have one who talks back all the time, one who screams and whines and one who has tantrums and screams (5, 4, 3). Tonight I lost it and screamed at them, and screamed at them and screamed at them. They all ended up screaming more.

They don't listen to me. They ignore me. I have tried all forms of discipline for long periods of time. Some of it works, but I have lost interest now. I have read all the books and watched all the programmes. I am frazzled but I don't care any more. I am bright and am well educated but it all counts for nothing then I no longer have a clue what to do (with three small men) and have lost the plot. I drink at least a bottle of wine a night, starting from 6pm (they go to bed between 7 and 7:30)

I don't know how to start again and calm it all down. I don't think I can. I have tried ignoring it all but it's impossible. Deep breath. Help!

3 boys aged 5,4 and 3

You are a saint

Sorry no helpful advice!!

Although the bottle of wine a night is probably making you feel fuzzy and irritable in the day

Do you have them all day as well? If you do no wonder you are going potty. Can you do a bit of 'divide and conquer'. It works (sometimes with my year 10s! but did sort of work with mine when the smallest was at the age when he used to wind up the biggest. One in one room and two in another? Five year old on computer, two littlies watching TV?

I know it's really borring but the wine is probablly not helping too much and is dehydrating you which does make one more grumpy.

Can you escape?? Granny's? Partner coming home? You go out as he comes in or are you one of those amazing creatures a totally single mum. I take my hat off to anyone who parents completely alone. I've done it this week (husband away) with two civilised aged kids (although younger one been hard work and very attention seeking) and am knackered (work been a bit mental and can never sleep when he not in - pathetic but house keeps creaking and making weird noises )

I have to say I am a totally crap parent and can offer no real sensible advice. God only knows what my neighbours think sometimes but sending you virtual support.

ta flying mum. I win the crappest parent in the world award. Sometimes in the thick of it I wonder "For f%^&%& sake, who's the adult here?!? I seem to get drawn in soooooo easily.

I'm not a single mum, dh works long hours and we live abroad. So I am alone with them loads.