My twins are 4 and they have hit 4 hard. I am exhausted from work and find myself getting mad at them becauase I can't even have a simple conversation about dinner with my dh because one is always asking for my attention. I do try to give them attention and include them in household tasks. However, there are days when I hear myself get mad "Larlo, I will get you a banana when I have the pasta on the table" and cue screams. My response: "You can scream. I can't do everything at once. You have to wait." I say it pretty manly though. I am to the point where I also just walk out of the room and let my dh reason with them. I can't talk to someone (even a kid) who just doesn't listen. |
Every single day. |
Same |
+100 |
I guess I’m glad I’m not alone? |
4 year olds are obnoxious. The constant interruptions are the absolute worst. I’ve actually taken to texting with my husband when we don’t want our 4 year old to constantly interrupt. Even if we’re in the same room! So hats off to you for dealing with twins! |
Not since becoming a teacher. I've seen bad parenting first hand and it makes me sad that there isn't much I can do about it other than be a great teacher for my students. |
I was out with a friend and his kids at a family friendly event. The kids were doing their thing but his 8 YO son had to ask Dad for something every 30 seconds. It was exhausting and made conversation near impossible. Some kids are more demanding then others. |
Never.
Even when I make bad decisions, I am completely sure that in general, I have made way more good choices than bad ones, and that I have been extremely successful as a parent. It's interesting how self-assured I am as a parent, and how insecure I feel about my career prospects. With many of my friends, it's the opposite! |
No. By age 8 this should have stopped. The parents have created a little monster. |
You have twin 4-year olds. I'm gonna give you a pass! As long as you try to reduce the negative interactions, and spend a little quality time with them every day, you're fine.
My only advice to you is try ignoring more, and drastically shorten your responses if they are necessary. By responding at all after "no," you're reinforcing the whining. The repeated demand for the banana and the screams should be met with total silence from you. |
I’m sure you are a great mom....you are also human. Be kind to yourself. |
You have no idea. Kids with ASD or special needs could absolutely do this and it has nothing to do with the parents creating a monster. I know because of my son. He is like this but my daughter who is NT is the complete opposite. Shame on you. |
I’m a self assured parent too. We all have our “areas” we feel either weak and confident in. Good luck, OP. Maybe make some changes so you’re not so exhausted. What can you cut out so your days are less stressful? |
Whenever I think I might be a bad mom, I think back to all of those hours I spent watching Maury Povich in college. I think about the woman who fed her 50lb 1 year old nothing but ribs and Pepsi because "he won't eat nothing else."
And I think....I'm not doing so bad at this. My 1 year old only gets ribs every other day. |