Hi Jamie - I really feel for you. I have two kids, 10 and 6, and they fight like crazy. It's insane and we can't seem to stop it. It distracts me from so much and puts our whole household in a bad mood. How old are you kids? Sounds like you have your hands full and you might be overwhelmed. It's next to impossible to get "me time" with children. I have found that now that my youngest is 6, I have a little more time to myself. One preschool teacher gave me a good idea, and maybe it will help you and your kids a little. She said that if I could give 15 minutes of solid attention to each child - going down to their level and just immersing into that child and what THEY want to do, it sort of "fills their cup" for attention and can go a long way. It's particularly good to do this when you have been away from them for a while, or to start their day. I know it's very hard to do with everything else going on, but at this point, I think for you anything is worth a try.

The other great parenting advice I got, that I always try to remember at the difficult moments is this phrase "This Too Shall Pass".

Take care,

Sorry about your morning! I can be frustrating. I finally have my family trained to know that when I close the sewing room door, they are to act as if I am not even home. No phone calls, no visitors, no requests, etc. It's great! If the door is open, they can come in to visit, but not to bring me any kind of problems. Mine are 12 and 9 now, so they get it. They also are learning to appreciate their own private time. We all have to learn to like our company, seeing as we are stuck with ourselves forever!

Best parenting advice I ever got was from my mother in law. I was having a day like yours, called her to cry, and all she said was:
"Marie, these are long days, but short years. You will miss them one day."
I think of that almost every day now.

What a great saying your MIL had and very true!!

Ninnie

When mine were that young I would split them up, 2 in 2 different rooms, I would play/give them some attention and then switch them around in pairs to play and then together for a while.
This is a trick I used when ANY young kids have been in my care...if they bicker they sit facing each other on the floor with their legs crossed and hands on their knees, I tell them you will do this until you can be friendly with each other, and they have to lean in noses or foreheads touching. Yes they do fuss for a while, but when they see each other's crossed eyes, they usually start giggling after a couple of minutes and I ask "friends again?" and they are up on their happy way. If it takes me 10 minutes of sitting and calmly supervising them, ok. After a few times they realize I mean business and just the threat of saying "knees to knees, toes toes" would settle some of bickering right down.

No matter which way you choose to go, it will take you being calm and consistent to get them to behave or change behaviors. They pick up on your emotions, you are stressed...they will crank it up too....Ya gotta try and fool them into thinking you are calm cool and collected...then go into another room and scream into a pillow :wink: :wink: :wink:

Maybe you and your husband can pick a couple days a week for 30-60 minutes of me time...I know he is busy, but I would tell him it is better to give me some time in increments now, then you having them full time and working and school while I am in the looney bin....cause that's where I am heading now :shock: :wink: :wink:

LOL we live in a townhouse development, all we have is a small yard then a BIG parking lot...I don't let my kids wonder....:)

You guys are great!!! Really honestly wonderful people...I've never recieved much kindess in my life, I've always been the one to give it...I think you are all the Best!!!!!! Great big Hugs and thank you's to each one of you.

I still have gotten no quilting done...but I did play outside with the kids for a couple of hours, and got some sun...since this is the first day in forever there has been some! :)

Hang in there Jamie, the time will pass all to quickly. Then you will yearn for their company. :lol:

Dog Kennels.

Works for me.

tim in san jose

I think Mommy is entitled to some "me time" and the kids and DH have to accept that. Next time, claim it! They will adjust.

Ah those days.

Our children are all grown up with children of their own.

I live on the east coast my daughter and her family live on the west coast.

My oldest son and his family live 100 miles south of me.

My youngest son and his family live 30 miles east of me.

I long for those days. I loved every minute of it.

I know it's frustrating now, but enjoy every minute of it. Before you know it, they'll be gone.