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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Managing when one of your children is just in all honesty a lot nicer than the other

191 replies

Thisdayinjune · 28/06/2025 16:37

I have two children, a girl who is four and a boy who is two.

My daughter has some great qualities but they often get lost beneath the sullenness and argumentative nature she seems to have … it kicked in when she was three and shoes no signs of leaving any time soon. She’s five in December.

We’re driving and I say ‘ooh that was a steep hill.’ She says ‘no it’s NOT.’ I say it’s hot today, she says ‘it ISN’T.’ If you just sort of ‘oh OK’ that she keeps coming back at you with ‘it ISN’T hot, mummy, it ISN’T.’ That’s the answer to everything; tidy up, why, it’s messy, no it’s NOT. Following any sort of discipline with her is difficult and I don’t let some behaviours slide but ignore some, praise the good, sometimes do shout (I’m not perfect) but I do try, I really honestly do.

Then I had her brother and it was a bit like … I get why people enjoy parenting. He’s not a unicorn child; he has tantrums and he has whingey moments and normal child stuff but I feel like he wants to please me, he enjoys spending time with me and seeks my love and my approval.

So I have this horrible dynamic where I do have a favourite child. I know I’ll get replies along the lines of ‘this happened to me and it ruined my life’ which is fair enough except I’m not choosing to feel like this, I hate that I do, I’d give anything to have a normal and loving relationship with DD but it’s just not there at the moment.

OP posts:
Gymbunny2025 · 01/07/2025 13:37

Completely agree with everything @Tiswa says.

OP if you are constantly saying no etc she will drown you out. Save it for when it’s important. Wouldn’t distraction work for the examples you give? Or moving on to something else? Or having a snack/leaving if it’s because she’s tired or hungry.

a lot of parents adapt where they take their kids at this age if they know it will cause issues (eg throwing sand or running away).

if the only tool in your parenting skills set is saying no on repeat you will both get sick of the sight of each other! There are so many resources to learn how best to parent children like your daughter. We are all learning!

Hardbackwriter · 01/07/2025 14:19

I'm glad you thought my post was helpful. I really recognise where you are. Two more thoughts in case at all helpful:

  • I found it hard to imagine how counselling could actually help before I did it - I thought it surely couldn't take away my feelings, so what could it do? For me it allowed me a level of detachment/objectivity, even in the moment. She taught me to recognise where I felt anger in my body (I know this sounds woo!) and from there to have the thought process 'ah, that biological process where I feel rage has begun. Should it have? What is actually going on here?'. Before then I found that, just as you describe, I would be absolutely furious at the time and then later think 'why the hell did I think that was such a big deal?' and feel ashamed of my reaction. The counselling helped me to bring that 'rational' thought process to the moment rather than hindsight. Sometimes I actively think, 'ah, this is shit from my own childhood - not useful to me now!'. I worked through and really acknowledged the trauma I went through to get DS1 - it was a difficult pregnancy following multiple miscarriages - and allowed myself to breathe in that space rather than feeling constant guilt for not being grateful enough. I went through a similar process around anxiety, but that was less directly related to parenthood for me.
  • At the time I felt quite hopeless. It's now around 3 years later and I have such a lovely, close relationship with DS1 now. Of course things aren't perfect, and I still find he takes more work than his little brother to navigate in some ways - he is a dramatic and sensitive little soul, and he is just quite a complex personality type. But I now see that so much more in the round. That is partially because some of his strengths are more apparent as he's older (he's now 7): he's creative, thoughtful and genuinely funny. A stubborn toddler is now a determined and passionate little boy. But it's also a shift in my own mindset, and a lot to do with me being able to give up a desire to control him, and to become able to see him fully as his own person rather than seeing any negative traits in him as my own worst qualities reflected back at me (we talked a lot about that in counselling!).
Gymbunny2025 · 01/07/2025 14:22

Completely agree OP will benefit hugely from counselling ☺️

BertieBotts · 01/07/2025 16:18

I will just say that both of my kids who have been diagnosed with ADHD (DS1 at age 10, DS2 at age 6) I had (nursery) teachers and pediatricians insist there was nothing to investigate at age 4, and for DS1 that persisted up to about age 8/9 - his teacher was even surprised when I gave her a form to fill in as part of the assessment, and then proceeded to rate him as worse than we had on many of the measures. Nursery staff, teachers and non-specialists like HVs and GPs often have a picture of a particular "type" of ND and this only represents a small proportion of cases. I know MN is probably a bit too much the other way inclined, but I think what MNers tend to pick up on is a parent who is struggling with behaviour in a way which is outside the norm. And I realise that you posted this on a day when you were feeling particularly down about it but I also read your post this way and personally, I think it would be helpful for doctors/teachers/etc to recognise a sort of "high intensity" category of DC who may or may not later get a specific diagnosis, but in order to recognise that some children ARE hard work at this age and parents/families/the child/the school might need some support. I actually think this would be hugely beneficial because this kind of behaviour is so very difficult to respond to both kindly and effectively and you can easily get into a negative reinforcing cycle (like I described with the hypothetical not-ignoring-actually-deaf person).

With DS2 the question of assessment for ADHD only came up when he was about 5.5 and I also reckon it came up quicker because of the family history. In general, medical and educational professionals are very, very cautious to suggest things like this especially at an age where it's difficult to assess (and 4 is too young really to assess for ADHD, and ASD where there aren't significant communication difficulties).

I sense maybe a bit of fear in the response like if she is ADHD, then the behaviour won't be something she'll grow out of, it will always be like that. And I just wanted to add that DS1 definitely grew out of a lot of the more intense "hyperactive" type behaviour, despite his ADHD diagnosis. But I'll stop focusing on ADHD specifically because I can see it's not helpful.

OTOH I disagree with the sense that high energy or high intensity behaviour can't be reduced or managed because it can - it just takes quite specific approaches and knowledge. Sensory seeking behaviours seem useful to learn about because quite frequently if you have a high energy child people will say things like oh you need to get a trampoline/put them in drama lessons/get them doing gymnastics. And if you're lucky and hit on the right combination of activity with whatever sensory input they are seeking, then this will work to at least take it down a notch, and that's why people insist on it so strongly. (Proprioceptive input, which is a sort of deep body pressure is the most common one and is common to a lot of these activities people often suggest). But it's not always as simple as getting them loads of physical activity and tiring them out. If you don't hit on the right sensory input and/or if the behaviour is more a sign of dysregulation and the dysregulation is coming from places other than a high sensory threshold, then they simply won't seem to tire from these things and it might even make them worse because then they are tired and possibly frustrated as well if they struggle with coordination or taking instruction from others or whatever. And then you're left wondering WTF am I supposed to do, this child does not stop and nothing satiates them.

In my observation, the shouty/argumentative/needing to be right/first/etc behaviour tends to stem from difficulties with emotional regulation and social skills - they struggle to predict or understand the behaviour and nonverbal communication of others, or fail to notice it, so can't predict what people will do and because of this they find it quite an alarming experience to be around others because any time anybody tries to interact with them, they frequently interpret this as some kind of attack. Then because they have reacted defensively, this usually causes the other person to be surprised and think that the child is being mean/defiant and so children will stand their ground and be defensive back, adults will adopt a more firm response in order to correct that behaviour, either of which the child then feels is a further attack and both cements their original "rightness" in reacting defensively as well as causing their own defensive state to escalate as well. The emotional dysregulation causes the emotions to escalate more quickly so every reaction seems out of proportion, like a toddler who is constantly overtired.

When DS2 was anywhere between 3-5 and DS3 was anywhere between 1-3 himself I had to do quite a lot of sitting with DS2 (sometimes holding him back!) and talking deliberately calmly and slowly to sort of explain what I saw DS3 doing and what he could expect. For example if DS3 had a toy and DS2 wanted it, it didn't work to do the usual explaining about sharing/turns. I had to hold DS2 on my lap and explain that while DS3 has the toy now, he probably won't be playing with it for very long, we would wait for 5 minutes and he probably will have finished with it by then. (DS2 at this point DESPERATE to get down and snatch the toy because he doesn't believe me and/or can't see past "I want toy now"). By about 4 min 30 sec he usually had finished and DS2 would be surprised. But after a few times of doing this he slowly started to trust that I was probably right and we had fewer fights over toys. Not saying it never happened but it did reduce. Likewise DS2 very into building train tracks, which DS3 would happily dismantle. DS2 became fearful about toddler sibling coming near train track, even though I would defend it or move DS3 away and this persisted long after DS3 had left the random dismantling phase. I used to sit with them and point out to DS2 what DS3 was actually doing and that it was not the thing he was afraid of, what to say to get DS3 to stop/change, and that even if he was in a dismantling mood, we could also rebuild the bits of track he got to before I managed to interrupt him.

It is still quite exhausting doing this, but it tends to help much more than lots of reactive correction after they've already done the thing you don't want ie no you can't hit him, no you can't shove him out the way etc and constant breaking up fights. Because they frequently feel as though their original behaviour was justified/the only thing they possibly could have done, telling them off for it and applying consequences makes no difference, you will get the behaviour again. Trying to follow it back to the root and getting in before it starts and explaining from their own perspective tends to be more effective although it is much more intensive upfront.

MsNevermore · 01/07/2025 16:34

I know you’re busy OP, with two small kids and all the other life stuff that feels like an uphill struggle (I remember it well!), but you said a few posts back that DD seems to do better with her boisterousness when she’s playing with boys?
Is there time somewhere to maybe get her started in a boy-heavy activity to get some of that energy out?
A kids football team or something? I think scouts accept girls these days too? Might be wrong 🫣

Undethetree · 01/07/2025 16:41

OP, I get it. Your daughter sounds exactly like my DS1 (who is ND) and your son sounds like my DS2. It's SO EXHAUSTING and other people just don't get it.

What I can say is that understanding my ND son and how his mind works has really helped me to alter his environment and the way I parent him and his behaviour is now much less extreme and less negative and oppositional. Not saying that your DD is ND and I know you dont want advice but it might be that some techniques for ND behaviour could assist.

If it helps, my kids are teens now and DS1 is still a whirlwind of chaos who drives me round the fucking bend and has likely taken 10 years off my life. BUT he is so funny and interesting too and I actually really enjoy his company now (sometimes!) and so do other people. I really never thought I'd say that. DS2 is still lovely and always has been, never been through a bad phase (yet!) but he doesn't have that quirky spark that makes DS1 so entertaining.

So hang on in there and you have my sympathies.

Undethetree · 01/07/2025 16:44

@BertieBotts this was such a helpful post for me, thank you!

Sandy420 · 01/07/2025 17:12

It might be worth considering OP that if she is ND that she might be viewing and experiencing the world in quite a different way to you. She might genuinely not think it's hot for example - DS with ASD is currently in a furry snoodie in 30 degrees. She might not think that the room is messy - to her she just has all her toys out ready for her to play with at any moment. She might not think the hill is steep because it took no effort to get up it in the car.

This is the sort of reason why it might be useful to consider that she might be ND - because it could help you understand her, even if she is seemingly being illogical. If you parent her like she's ND it won't hurt her if she isn't.

Of course she might just be being argumentative! Maybe ask her about it - how are you feeling if you're not feeling hot? Why didn't you think the hill was steep? I can't promise it'll give you a great insight but you never know. I found out at 12 that DS heard names as colours, ND kids can experience the world in a very different way.

Parenting an ND child can be exhausting though and it sounds like you have a whirlwind on your hands! She probably has no idea the sand flying around is an issue for other kids because she's entirely wrapped up in what she's doing. She might be sitting at the bottom of the slide because she wants it to stay 'her turn' rather than to block and annoy the other children. Alternatively if it's causing a big fuss then she may like the sensory aspect of that. Alternatively again, if she isn't ND it might be the sort of behaviour that gets your attention - even if it is bad.

Perhaps ask her why she's sitting there and then suggest you go round with her to climb the steps for another turn. Explain the affect of her throwing sand/sitting at the bottom of the slide as she might genuinely not realise the impact on others, just be caught up in what it means for her. If you have an ND kids, sometimes you have to explain very obvious social stuff no matter how 'clever' they are - and often you have to explain it over and over and over.

I know you're not looking for parenting advice but sometimes changing your approach can make a massive difference. She'll probably never be a really easy child but if you can understand her a little better it might be really help you to bond.

lifeandcake · 30/07/2025 16:32

OP I’m so glad I just found this post via a Google search and it turns out its recent!!

I have this situation with a 5yo DS and a 2 yo DD. My DS is a be by demanding, moany, loud, awkward, difficult character who is hard to like. He is unable to do anything for himself, his default mode is “mummy!!!!!!” Like he is owed my attention at all times or else I am letting him down! Type attitude. I am struggling with my 2 weeks off work right now as I am getting so irritated with him that even when he’s slightly less stressy and a little bit pleasant, I am unable to respond in a positive way because I am so worn down by the rest of it. He has never been very affectionate, he doesn’t try and impress us particularly with good behaviour. He is just simply constantly pissed off.
My DD is so sweet, and naturally polite and calm. She’s a joy to spend time with and whilst I am so grateful that she has given me a absolutely wonderful experience as a parent (which I didn’t know existed until DS was 3.5), it has also confirmed to me that my DS simply is a difficult character and so it makes him seem worse…
I absolutely adore him, I would walk over fire for him, and I genuinely admire him in some ways for his spirit and determination, but I don’t like him very much at times so grateful I found this post at a time I needed it!

Thisdayinjune · 30/07/2025 19:13

@lifeandcake its so funny you upped this as I was thinking about it today. Life is strange. DD has somehow massively chilled out. I broke my arm about a week after I started this thread and although I can’t begin to say how much it is horrible it’s really toned down the mad, boisterous element of her personality and I feel so so bad reading this thread. She’s shown a totally different side; a very gentle, caring and kind side. Not that it wasn’t there before but … it was sort of squashed under the mad energy. I’m so proud of her. I feel like these feelings have always been there but my arm has forced a different dynamic on us all and the best in her personality has come to the forefront. I am replying partly to reassure you and also because I want to sing from the rooftops how fabulous she is and how fiercely in love with her I am and I feel very very bad I ever felt otherwise.

Conversely DS has turned two and (said with great affection, I swear!) has turned into a twat. That’s said with humour not derision but in all seriousness I’ve come to realise all kids are challenging in different ways and at different times. Mine are lovely but sometimes they annoy me and I’m sure I annoy them. And it’s OK to feel dislike sometimes, it is a cliche but it’s the behaviour not the child.

OP posts:
MsNevermore · 30/07/2025 19:34

Thisdayinjune · 30/07/2025 19:13

@lifeandcake its so funny you upped this as I was thinking about it today. Life is strange. DD has somehow massively chilled out. I broke my arm about a week after I started this thread and although I can’t begin to say how much it is horrible it’s really toned down the mad, boisterous element of her personality and I feel so so bad reading this thread. She’s shown a totally different side; a very gentle, caring and kind side. Not that it wasn’t there before but … it was sort of squashed under the mad energy. I’m so proud of her. I feel like these feelings have always been there but my arm has forced a different dynamic on us all and the best in her personality has come to the forefront. I am replying partly to reassure you and also because I want to sing from the rooftops how fabulous she is and how fiercely in love with her I am and I feel very very bad I ever felt otherwise.

Conversely DS has turned two and (said with great affection, I swear!) has turned into a twat. That’s said with humour not derision but in all seriousness I’ve come to realise all kids are challenging in different ways and at different times. Mine are lovely but sometimes they annoy me and I’m sure I annoy them. And it’s OK to feel dislike sometimes, it is a cliche but it’s the behaviour not the child.

I’m so glad you’ve come back with an update OP!!!

Sorry about your arm, but also very glad to see that you’ve reached a point where you’ve got a bit more clarity over the whole situation.
It’s the phases people talked about in this thread - your DD has snapped out of her recent dick phase. Maybe it was your accident that triggered something…..maybe it was just her going through a difficult phase that’s come to end and just happened to coincide with your accident 🤷🏻‍♀️ Who knows!

And now she’s passed the dickhead baton to your DS 🫠😂
They'll continue to pass it back and forth between themselves in the coming years, but all those awful phases will come to an end and you’ll have a nugget of time where you wonder what the hell came over your kid!
My eldest and middle ones have been passing the baton quite frequently over the past couple of months, but today? It’s firmly in the possession of the eldest. She’ll probably have a personality transplant by the end of the week and it will be one of the other two testing my patience!
As plenty of people have said before: you’re right in the trenches of parenting right now. Your DD is at an age where she’s realised she’s definitely not a baby anymore - I really do think you’ll see another huge change in her when school starts, where she’s around children her own age every day and she starts analysing their behaviours. It’s often like a switch flips in their little brains once they start school and suddenly they seem so much more grown up in a way you haven’t seen before ❤️

lifeandcake · 30/07/2025 19:37

@Thisdayinjune that is so wonderful to hear and I’m genuinely so happy things have improved! It also shows that you always did love her deeply hence why is upset you so much she was acting up. I totally understand what you’re saying and this has reminded me of when I was unwell and my DS turned into a very caring lovely soul. Sometimes it’s as if they need something to snap them out of their negative thinking. And my guess is your DD is very bright and a deep thinker which is why she’s showing so much sympathy to your arm situation.
I’ve read the whole of this post now and laughed at the usual type of replies such as “does she like your husband?” Which is such a pathetic kind of triggering type one liner you see on here, plus the usual have you tried saying this? As if a response you come back with will magically change your DD’s whole mindset! But there is some genuinely good advice as well.
I think with my DS a lot of my issue is that when he acts up and has a really bad phase, I am instantly brought back to how I felt last time he was having a bad phase, so it’s cumulative and can feel all consuming and depressing, so similarly to your situation right now, you kind of forget when they are being lovely, so when they are lovely, it feels so much more wonderful! This parenting thing is a total rollercoaster isn’t it!?

Thisdayinjune · 30/07/2025 19:39

I really am grateful for those who let me thrash it out. The love is there but can get easily masked with irritation and I do have to keep an eye on that as we do wind one another up. DS is just as irritating in different ways but I generally have more tolerance for him because I suppose I have done this journey before. With DD I always felt like even minor stuff could get easily blown up into my awful parenting. Not even sure why.

OP posts:
lifeandcake · 30/07/2025 19:41

Also I want to say thank you for keeping the post going, and not letting the mizzers take hold like they do so many other peoples’ posts who are genuinely looking for good advice and help! It’s really helped me!

MsNevermore · 30/07/2025 19:46

Thisdayinjune · 30/07/2025 19:39

I really am grateful for those who let me thrash it out. The love is there but can get easily masked with irritation and I do have to keep an eye on that as we do wind one another up. DS is just as irritating in different ways but I generally have more tolerance for him because I suppose I have done this journey before. With DD I always felt like even minor stuff could get easily blown up into my awful parenting. Not even sure why.

I think we all knew that you weren’t simply being cruel OP…..we could clearly see that you are frazzled mum of two young children, who were presenting the challenges we’ve all been through and you were really struggling see the situation with clarity. Lack of sleep when you’ve got little ones, coupled with the relentlessness of the completely mental behaviour can send even the best of us into what feels like irrational rage.
I’ve said some awful things over the years when ranting to my friends about whatever fuckery my DC’s have presented that particular week - I’m sure lots of us have.
Struggling through a period of difficult parenting really can feel like you’re drowning sometimes!
We love our kids….doesn't mean we have to like them all the time.

Wethers121 · 30/07/2025 20:46

My eldest son is a little similar to that. He’s just been diagnosed with ADHD which makes a lot of sense. He does have a very sweet side too which is so lovely. I see it as he will be a great leader and confident adult one day. Just a pain in the arse sometimes now 😂

Aldo has a delightful little brother with an extremely sunny disposition

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