Have just really shouted at my dc because their room was in an abominable state.

[Fleurlechaunte]

Then cried because I felt so guilty for shouting at them.

However I have also:

Taken them out in the piss pouring rain to splash in puddles, even though I don't have suitable clothing and got soaked. They were fine bless them.

Bought a huge bag of pick and mix sweets with everything they chose in it.

Went to 3 different shops to look for a Disney Cars comic for ds.

Cooked them both separately their favourite foods for tea.

Washed, dried and ironed my ds's favourite pajamas even though he has four other pairs already in the drawer.

Always drop everything to read to my dd whenever she brings a book to me.

Can I be forgiven please? I feel like crap. I have apologised and ds put his arms round me and said "its ok mum your are my best friend". I don't know why though, I don't deserve it. . I know they are going to hate my guts when they are older.

Ironing PJs is just barmy!

I could tell you my situation and it would make you feel better but just go and snuggle up with your kids and have a lovely story and cuddle.

How old are they?

You are supermum. Don't go near my kids they'll want a refund on the one they've got (me!)

totally agree with tmmj. Sounds like your dc are walking all over you.

6 and 2, didn't shout so much at the younger one but they are really awful with their stuff, just get it out and never put it away afterwards. To be fair we haven't got a garden and they have loads of stuff. I honestly can't see the carpet in their room though.

Is 6 too young to be tidying up? Any tips on getting them to be tidier would be welcomed.

They are not spoilt honestly. Their Grandparents moved abroad today and ds was really upset so I was trying to give them a special day.

cooking their dinners seperately for them?! I can barely manage cooking the same thing for everyone. If they don't like it, they can make themselves a sandwich. No way am I cooking seperate food.

No 6 isn't too young to be tidying up.

2 isn't too young to be tidying up. But you do need to make it simple - I get my children to push the pram around picking up all the toys from the floor as they go along.

I always cook separately. Sort of thought most people did .

cook - separately - OMG no

Fleur I think this is more about the grandparents moving than the messy bedrooms, woudl I be right? {{{{}}}}

Absolutely ..NOT LOL - hands over a glass of wine and some nice choccys..... silly billy. We all (well the normal ones amongst us anyway - not the saints clearly) shout (at least sometimes and some of us frequently) and it's usually justified. Kids need to know what is expected and live by the rules (as we all do).

The only thing I would say is that with a 6 year old I still expect to give a fair bit of direction. I wouldn't expect a 6 year old to keep their room tidy - but I would expect them to go and tidy it when I tell them it is time to. I also think it's necessary to make sure there is 'a place for everything and everything in its place', that way it's easy for them, if they don't have boxes or whatever it's much harder for little ones to know if it's 'tidy' or not (DYSWIM?). Our playroom is tided everynight without fail by the LO's who are 3 and 21 months - sometimes if there is a lot of stuff out I go in and 'direct the traffic' ie 'put all the barbie things away, now put the babies in the buggies' that kind of thing - and occasionally I help - but as soon as the 3 year old says 'you do it' or 'I'm too tired' or most likely 'there's too much stuff out for me to tidy' I offer to make it much easier for her and suggest I pack it into some nice bags to take to the little children who don't have any toys - trust me - lightning doesn't strike as fast as that playroom is tidied!!

Cut yourself some slack

Its inlaws but MIL was my only person nearby that I could ever call on for help. My own parents are far away. Even though she got on my nerves sometimes and we dont always see eye to eye she was just always, always there and would bend over backwards to help if I needed her. Ds really close to her as well. Feeling really sad now.

sorry you are feeling sad Fleur. What are you up to this evening?