My 4yo used to be so polite and kind. We used to get so many comments on how well behaved she was. But now her and her 2yo brother are like small balls of pure terror. My 2yo bounces off my eldest, he can be really well behaved on his own but together they’re just.. not.
I genuinely think I’ve forgotten how to parent. I don’t know what to do and I’m on the edge of tear all of the time because it’s constant, and I mean completely constant whining, fighting, hitting, screaming, refusal to do things they’ve been asked.
I know some of it comes down to age and I don’t expect them to be perfectly behaved kids all of the time. So this is more about me and my parenting than them and their behaviour. I just genuinely don’t know how to handle any situation anymore.
If they’re naughty, they’re told what they’re doing is naughty and asked not to do it, they continue and then I’ve tried time out, shouting beyond comprehension (I know that’s not ideal but I’ve exhausted my options by then) sent to their room, no treat after dinner, toys taken away (only when relevant I.e fighting over it, being asked to do something and they sit playing with the toy saying no, go away ect) I’ve tried rewarding good behaviour instead of punishing the bad but it does not work.
when they’re being told off, or put in time out.. they laugh. They literally just laugh the entire time and when I let them know they’re going to time out or I’m taking something away all I get back is “haha ok I didn’t want it anyway” “that’s fine I’ll just go back after time out”
Im just out of options and im struggling. Im embarrassed but my lack of being able to not really control but just set an example to them. I want them to have respect for everyone else and be polite but it seems like whatever I try and teach them goes right over their heads.
Please help me. I’m losing my marbles.