Dh and I are failing as parents. We cannot work as a team. We have both lost our temper with our children and shouted a lot. We shout at each other in front of the children. We are messing it all up. And I am 6 weeks pg with dc4. This is going to be garbled but I'm so upset.
Ds1 (6) is very defiant, hostile, uncooperative child prone to at least 3 rages every day. (I've been to the GP who says CAMBHS cannot help because his behaviour is perfect at school. Got an appointment with a private family therapist next week). Who knows - it could be because he feels conflict and upset between dh and I. It probably is. He's been like this since he was 2. I've posted many times about it.
Currently we are using the nice points and naughty points method. If ds1 gets to 100 points, he gets a prize - Hero Factory toy. He is sometimes responding to this. It bothers me though that every single thing like getting dressed, cleaning teeth, farting etc gets rewarded with a point. I think he should have to work a bit harder for his points. Dh does not and gives them out willy nilly to encourage him.
So, dh bought several presents/prizes (chosen by ds1 online) in readiness to distribute to ds1 when he gets 100 points (he gets 1 per 100 points). Ds1 wanted to see them this morning even though he knows what they are. I didn't think that was a good idea. I thought him knowing they were in the cellar should be enough for him and I know that soon he will try to open them and rage if I try to stop him. I said this to dh and he got in a strop. He got in a strop because he couldn't be Father Christmas again and said angrily to ds1, "No, you're not allowed to see the toys," and ds1 responded with a, "I hate you, daddy," which hacked off dh even more.
So, I went to the cellar. Got the box of prizes, dropped them on the floor in front of dh and ds1 and said there you are but don't blame me if the next thing he does is open them. I was pissed off and aggressive and I was very wrong but I'm so tired of dh playing Father Christmas and giving the children so muc stuff all the time. Dh told ds1 to ignore nasty mummy like he did when she is in a mood, just like he does and that horrible mummy is looking for an argument so just ignore her. That's what you do to horrible people.
Of course, the dcs (ds1 6, dd 4 and ds2 is too young) will do exactly what their dad asks them to do like getting dressed, cleaning teeth when they sense there is a dispute in the air between us. That gives dh great pleasure because it shows that he is the preferred and better parent. They adore him and they only want to be with him given the choice. It has always been that way ever since ds1 was 6 months old. He made his preferences very clear and dd is the same.
I am in effect without any 'power' - wrong word I know - when it comes to getting them to do stuff like getting dressed as they'll just say, "No. Want Daddy." They will just not do as I ask. Not without a fight and a strop and more often than not, a rage from ds1. Which of course makes me look crap and ineffectual. I just ask them to do stuff same as dh. But they won't cooperate. Dd is far more cooperative than ds1 but even she prefers to only do what dh asks her to do and ignores my requests.
Dh now says he will get them dressed in the mornings for school and I am not to contribute to this in any way to this part as I stress everyone out and upset everybody apparently.
I know I sound childish. I am childish and self pitying but I just feel like ultimately, I have no real place in this family. Yet it is me who ferries them about to their various play dates, karate and swimming. They only ever want their dad to go with them to parties. In fact, they only want their dad for anything really. So when I need to get them to do something, they just won't and again, I fail.
Aside from the practicalities, it really really hurts my feelings. I feel like they all put up with me. Dh makes it clear that he thinks unless I do what he thinks wrt parenting then I'm not doing a good job. In fact, he has said before that he thinks ds1 is the way he is because of me. I'm not sure how really but he has said that.
You know, after a rage about bedtime last night, ds1 came to me and asked if he could sleep in my bed. I said yes because he was clearly still upset and it seems comforts him. Probably because he feels closer to his father.
I don't know why it is like this but I feel so miserable and lost. I actually just want to disappear. I've arranged to see a marriage guidance lady next week and she also does family therapy and can recommend other family therapists if there is an overlap with marriage and family issues that we feel need to be very separate.
How do I handle this better? Please don't have a go at me as I know I'm doing a crap job but give me some advice. I don't see how it could get better really given that everyone seems entrenched in their 'positions'.