Skids wrecking room

[FedupofTurkey]

Age 6 and 9 - by wrecking I mean chucking clothes out of wardrobe, breaking hangers, chucking rug around, destroying books. Happens when they're supposed to be settling down. WWYD, they're parent tells them off but it happens every day. I've said they're not to go out after school and to tidy their room. But it happens again!

You and their parent live together?

How long has behaviour been going on? Is their behaviour good generally? (Id be amazed if it was tbh)

Yep they live with us full time. Been going on ever since I've known partner in his house. We live together now. I've removed bookcase and books now. They can be a handful, can also be good when they're on their own. They have to share a room.

That's a hard question coz of the parenting arrangement.
Let their parents deal with it.
We have two girls, same age. We just put them in their room and they stay there till the room is clean and they are quiet. That can take a while. But if you are the child and want to eat..... and if you want to go out.....
But ours isn't a step-parenting situation.

I have to ask why you moved in with their parent if this was such an issue for you?

Anyway, from a parenting perspective i also employ the 'you arent coming out til its tidy' and use sanctions like loss of tv/computer privileges. As they live with you full time you and partner should be on the same page wrt discipline and agree tactics. You need to have a discussion.

SB - its not a huge issue, was just seeking advice as to who should deal and best way to deal as having to tidy up doesn't seem to have any effect

I'd try and identify which of them is leading it, and keep a closer eye on them when they're in the room and supposed to be settling down. Eg stay in the room until they're both in bed and then find something to do nearby for the next half hour or so so you can listen out for any trouble.

Or can you put one to bed first, and let them settle and then have the other creep in once they're asleep?

Clearly the telling off isn't working.
They need consequences.

Can you remove privileges until they can treat their stuff with respect then let them earn it back?