I have 2 DDs - just 5 and 2.5 and they are driving me insane. Every afternoon I dread picking up DD1 from school cos from then on it feels like a constant, exhausting miserable slog. She comes out of school whingeing and moaning, they bicker and shriek at each other, tantrums follow.
Today I asked DD1 to put her swimming stuff in the washing machine - cue 45 minute tantrum and refusal.
There are constant demands to watch TV, "I don't know what to PLAAAY" if I say no (we have a big garden with trampoline, slide, climbing frame and swing). DD1 inparticular very rarely is able to occupy herself or play independently.
Unless friends are over to play (or they are watching TV they do not leave me alone for a minute.
The neighbours kids came round today which gave some relief but while I read stories to DD" because they wouldnt let her join in they trashed EVERY room in the house, unmade all the beds inlcuding my room and spare room, toys out of every cupboard in every room, by bedtime the place looked like it had been burgled.
They constantly compete for my attention often both simultaneously shouting at me and pulling at me. DD1 asks endless questions without really ever listening to the answer - just planning the next question that will keep my attention.
If I say no to something they nag and nag - no is never an answer - even though i think I am pretty good at not giving in.
DD2 routinely refuses whatever I make for supper and then is hungry and demanding snacks for the rest of the evening. Getting grumpier and grumpier.
As bathtime approaches DD1 in particular gets more excited and "silly", argues with every request from turning TV off to getting into the bath. DD2 gets more and more whiny.
I try to do their stories together but DD1 interrupts and askes questions constantly (and I mean constantly) in order to prolong the story so DD2 loses interest and starts playing up.
The only saving grace is that they are usually not too bad once in bed - though some nights I am up and down 2 flights to DD2 5-6 times for hugs, water, trips to the loo etc.
I don't think I can do this any more and think I am just screwing them up. They are nice children - intelligent, not aggressive, usually gentle with each other, sensitive to others - it's just their interaction with me that is so horrible. Going back to work is suddenly a very tempting option - just to get away from them and let someone else who is better than me look after them.
The worst is I know it must be mostly my fault and I feel so guilty and sad for wishing their childhoods away.