I'm a single mum really struggling with my 2 kids' hyperactivity. The eldest is 9 and youngest is 6 so it's not like they don't understand my requests. Both girls
They will sing loudly and inappropriately at the dinner table when trying to talk about their day and eat our meal, when I'm trying to speak to them, they appear to be constantly humming or mumbling, they will be antagonistic towards me repeatedly- I took them swimming at the weekend and both were grabbing at my boobs in the shower. My eldest one will repeatedly challenge my decision making and ask me to explain myself as if she's the parent.
They are extremely well behaved at school, but family members have also recently commented on their behaviour. Words like "manic" and "constant" have been used. I am always taking them places to burn off their energy- parks, swimming, walks etc but it doesn't stop them.
My eldest also squeals loudly a lot. We've had many conversations about using inside voices but it doesn't sink in. I feel drained by them. I know meal times can be challenging with children but on speaking to friends, their children aren't singing loudly and being disruptive. My children aren't disruptive at school which makes me question any suggestions of ADHD. One of my friends had my daughter over for a playdate and told me that she found her lovely but "overwhelming."
I know that taking priviledges away from them may help if they're ignoring my requests for them to stop behaving this way, but I rely on them having screen time to get things done as I'm on my own.
I give them jobs to do to help me but they both sulk about it and do a very half hearted job before walking off leaving me to finish off. I don't know if they're just poorly behaved? They also argue and scream at each other a lot and pinching is a major issue at the moment. I often can't complete the washing up without having to play referee.
I'm very introverted and although their Dad is a bit chaotic at times, he's usually quite intoverted too. I don't know why they're behaving this way or what to do about it? It's anxiety inducing.