Bad Day with Kids

Just a different perspective... I remember those days well, and fondly, now 15 years later. My sons being "all grown up" at 19 and 21, they have little time for their dear old Mom. As hard as it sometimes feels, enjoy their attention, it doesn't last forever and it's gone in the wink of an eye.

S.

Being in Moms Club (momsclub.org ) has really helped me. It's organized by area code, so I met a lot of moms in the area, who can totally relate what I'm going through. It's made me a better mom because I don't feel so overwhelmed when I'm home all by myself with the kids. They seem more satisfied and more content also.

On the other hand....let them know they can't have a new toy till the last one is put away. Sometimes that makes them find something else to do on their own, because they just don't want to put the toys away. :) Good luck, days like that are so long and hard. You're defintely not alone.

No way are you alone in this! We all love our children, but we also need some time for ourselves sometimes. I have a 10 yr old and a 5 yr. old...needless to say, their intrests are on different sides of the equator right now. They argue...a LOT... when they have unstructured time. A technique I started using this summer (which has worked on occasion) is that I let them "earn" dollars. One dollar for every 20 min. block of reading they complete. This means the older one can read to the younger one, or on her own, or whatever combination works. Then, they can choose to cash in each dollar they make to watch a 30min. t.v. show later...or save it up for something they want..(they NEVER save it). This gives me the 30 min. I might need now and then for some alone/down time while they also get something they've earned. Win/Win in my book.

I am a temporary SAHM (I've been on leave since 12/10/09 and go back at the end of August) and boy do I ever know how you feel! I have an 8 month old and a 3 1/2 year old and there are days where I just want to scream "I'm tired of CHILDREN!" because it feels like they're up my butt 24-7!

I know this isn't much consolation but just hang in there! How you feel is really normal even if it is grating on your last nerves - I think all parents go through this. If you can, however, tell your husband/spouse/partner that you need some 'me time' this evening and go do something by yourself that you find fun, relaxing, calming, and just for you (trip to Starbucks with a book/magazine, go get a manicure or pedicure, go to the mall, etc.)

Hope your kids give you some peace and quiet for a while. If all else fails, tuck this away and remember that payback's a b----, and you can turn the tables on them when they're teenagers and won't drag their sorry butts outta bed before noon!

You are so not alone. I tried to watch a movie on tv the other day, I was feeling sick and was just worn out, so I asked my kids (same ages as yours) to go play in their play room. They came up every 5 minutes, and I ended up furious with them. I tried to explain that moms need time sometimes to be alone. They are getting better about giving me small amounts of time (to take a bath or the such), and now if I want a longer time, like to see a movie, I get them one from the video store and let them sit in their play room with some popcorn and watch so I can have an hour of quiet. I know some will say this is bad to do, that kids should not watch tv, ect..ect..., but I do not think a movie once a week so mom can read or relax is going to hurt my kids, in fact I think having a relaxed and happy mom is important.

You are not alone its just something to get around and you have to remember there small just take time to yourself in the bathrooom put them in there rooms for down time or do something together sometimes that helps me.

Totally normal! Definitely frustrating.

Put out some fun snacks for them to munch on.
Put a show on for them or set up a computer game.
Send them on a scavenger hunt in the house.
Promise to take them somewhere fun tomorrow (pool, mcdonalds for ice cream and play area, park) if they let you be today.

Can't think of anything else. It takes me 3 hrs sometimes to unload the dishwasher because they won't leave me alone. Especially when you are feeling sick it seems you have less patience. Good luck. I think most kids are like that.

Hope you feel better

It is very normal! You need to set up some "boundaries". It is hard in the summer when the school routine is gone and now the novelty of no school has worn off. I would make a chart of chores, activities and a designated rest time. Your children are old eough for few responsibilities like getting themselves up, make bed, teeth brushed and dressed and get to the breakfast table. I always had a rest time in the afternooon. They didn't have to sleep (but usually did) but had to "read" or play quietly their rooms for one hour after lunch. That gave me time to regroup and have some much needed quiet time for myself. About leaving messes...I had the rule that they had to put away one thing before getting out something else. If things were not put away, they went in a big garbage bag and were only brought back out when things were put away. Worked like a charm! Have some fun with it and get the plan in place before school starts again. Using a routine like this on weekends after school starts keeps things sane! Just a note....mine are all grown up now 31, 28 and 26.....it goes SO FAST, they will be gone before you know it....savor it!

Sounds like you need some rules and boundaries. 5 and 7 year olds can follow directions and play without supervision. Tell them its quiet time and they can play in their room or somewhere else for an hour and give you a break. They are not to talk to you unless they are bleeding. ;) Then set a consequence for them not respecting the boundary and be willing to follow through immediately.

Best wishes!

Do you have any "drop-in" camps in your area where they could get a day or two to do crafts, go to the pool, etc.?

I'm usually not big on full-time camps in the summer (too much like school) but for some reason your kids sound bored to me. Bored kids can be destructive and annoying. A day or two at a camp might do them good (provided it's safe, etc.).

Good luck Mama!

Of course not. This too shall pass.

i've babysat kids who did that to me. my nephew always wants attention. try putting in their favorite movie telling them it's quiet time or let them into the back yard to play, kids need to use up their energy somehow. you can always sit back and watch them play if your getting sick you don't have to be hands on all the time especially if you don't feel well. let them know if they are good and let you relax they will get a reward.

I feel like this often! I have a 4yr old and 7 month old. It's overwhelming sometimes. The best thing I've found it pulling everyone in bed with me and reading to them. It calms everyone down and I'm comfy too.

We all have those days don't beat yourself up about it. You don't feel good and some alone time would be a heaven sent no-one can fault you for that. I have a lengthy commute home and my 4 and 6yr old commute with me about once a week I dream of taking the ride alone where I can listen to music, unwind after work and just be alone. Not going to happen but one can dream. Your are not alone can you turn on a movie? take out arts and crafts that they know how to do and let them play while you lay down. When I need that time I totally pull out the ice cream pop sticks, finger paint and glue. I give them ideas of what to do go lay on the couch so I can still see them and get some zzz's. This usually will buy me an hour it's interrupted sleep but sleep none the less.

I know what you mean. When did kids stop entertaining themselves? I have a small solution for you. I have a 7 and 11 year old (boy and girl). We have "quiet time" This is a set amount of time everyday (you decide how long). whether it be a half hour 45 minutes or even an hour. There is no TV, computer or video games allowed. They must either read ,do school work, take a nap if they want, draw, color, whatever. I just picked up some summer workbooks that they love. As a matter of fact I can't get them to stop doing the workbooks. A little hint here, I bought the books for the grade they just finished since the first part of the new school year is review.
Anyway you get the idea. Not only does this give you some quiet time and free time but it also is good for them. It was hard at first to get my kids on board but sometimes now they even remind me that it is time for quiet time.

Noooooo...I have the same thing (mine are 5 and 7 as well). Sometimes you just want some down time. I'm a SAHM plus work 3 part time jobs. Just try to take a few breaths and relax. I know its tough. Good Luck
K.

Trust me! You are NOT alone. I have a 5 year old, and often think, "How do parents with more than one handle it?" :) It's almost like (atleast with my 5 year old) that he picks up on when I'm getting sick or not feeling the best and that's when he wants my CONSTANT attention. That's kids for ya. Do they have any favorite movies? Favorite board games that will keep them entertained? Dominoes to set up in a cool line or design (a long line will take awhile hehe) and then have them knock them over...? my son likes cards, flash cards, or books. think of a craft they can do so you can rest? have them draw a pic of what makes them happy? or draw a pic of what your coolest back yard would be? my son did that and he drew a train track (hard to make out since he's only 5 lol) but it still kept him entertained and busy for awhile.

Take a couple deep breaths...and try not to get too frustrated so they see that. They just love their mommy :o)

Hope your day gets better!!

Yeah--I think all moms would give a vital organ just to have their kids "go play" for an hour or two! LOL
Hang in there...pull out an older game or activity they haven't seen/done in awhile. Or there's always the after lunch movie! :-)

Ohhhh I can't stand those days! I try to make my daughter lay day, whether she is tired or not, and say I need Mommy time, it's those days that I enjoy doing laundry in the laundry room :-)
Feel Better!!