Finding 3 children hard going

[willspal]

I have 3 children ( 14, 5 & 3 )

When all together I sometimes can find them a bit hard going. I think some of its the age difference but the 5 & 3 year olds are beginning to argue, fight and just generally wind each other up all the time. I find it very hard and feel a bit shattered at the moment. Not physically but mentally. With 3 people always wanting something its hard for 1 brain to cope LOL

Does anyone else feel like this. Its only sometimes that I feel like this and today is one of those sometimes. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow.

WP

[yinyang]

Unfortunately can't help you with the teenage child except to say that I remember what i was like at that age and I did not make my parents life fun.
But I do have 2 four year old girls in the house and I totally understand what you mean about the mental exhaustion.A lot of days I seem to do nothing but sort out squabbles over toys , over what they're going to watch ... and they're learning some great ways to wind each other up like copying everthing the other says.
So you're not alone. I think every parent feels like running out the door screaming somedays. Like you said - tomorrow will probably be better! Take care.
Yinyang. X

[everylittle]

You are not alone! I have four children 15, 14, 3 and 2! And you're right, the mental exhaustion is very hard to cope with at times. I've often thought of enroling on a kick boxing course and maybe some yoga....but never seem to find the time!! If the older 2 are not arguing over whose 'turn' it is on MSN the youngest are squabbling over something or other!

This week I'm dealing with stress over SATS exams, GCSE's, period pains, pocket money (from that tree down the garden), a hospital appointment for the youngest and teething pains , plans for the new house extension AND P.M.T.

Pour yourself a large glass of wine and imagine how boring life would be without them! My thoughts are with you!

[xanderma]

WP - you're NOT alone by any means. As I type this, my three little darlings (10, 7 & 5) are arguing over who's had the most croutons from the salad bowl at tea - and this is a GOOD day!

I think the mental exhaustion is a killer, sometimes I feel as if I've done nothing but yell all day. Arguments range from whose turn it is to sit where in the car to who chooses the TV channel to ...well, you get the picture. None of it is even slightly important, but it sure does grind you down.

Just be assured we all feel the same sometimes, you're not alone and you can always post on here - there always seems to be a friend waiting to help.

Hope it seems better in the morning.

[Le Chat]

It's a nightmare and it's managed not cured!!! lol Holidays are the best....excuse me whilst I cry!!

[willspal]

I am so glad to read its not just me then. Some nights I sit down and think I can't do it all again tomorrow but of course by tomorrow you feel better and you do do it all again and again and again.

I am thankful I have 3 healthy, happy children but even so its hard going.

Not quite made up my mind if its the 14 year old or the 3 & 5 year olds that cause more brain ache. At least the 14 year old wants to go out and avoids talking to you if possible. LOL

HUGS to anyone who needs one.

WP

[Liza B]

you are not alone I have one at 18, twins at 16 and more twins at 13, sometimes I wish I could just leave, mine all hate each other especially the 16 year olds. The have knocked each others teeth out, broken bones on hands due to punching, steal each others things and money, take things off of the others bikes, let down tyres and hid shed key so other is late for paper round and thats all been in the last 4 months. It was very physical looking after them all when they were little, now its more mental like where are they, what are they doing, will the police be round tonight.In the summer my neighbour used to find me on the back door step with a glass of wine, a bar of chocolate and and a box of hankies (for the tears).

We used to take them out all the time to stop them fighting, now no-one wants to come with us (ungrateful lot that they are). Not quite what I signed up for when I was pregnant, now I know why the baby books stop at 5, (they don't want to scare us). But can't imagine life without the little darlings!!! It would be so dull. lol. We live to fight another day, once they leave it will be grandkids and then ours will have to put up with what they did to us.

[everylittle]

We are truly remarkable mothers......Heres to us......Cheers! Think I'll start a post asking for 'A Mothers Job Description' What do you think? x

[Maggimae]

Im glad I just read this after an awful bank holiday monday at home with my three children, 14, 12 and 4 as all they did was argue and wind each other up and me with PMT. Not a good recipe for a family fun day. I can relate to what everyone has said here - guess its just as well we love 'em eh!

x

[aims1202]

Just want to say well done! You are doing a great job, its true us mums dont get given enough credit for the hard job we do.
I'm not like you i only have one child but i am a single mum. I know its not the same but i have been a Nanny to four children in the past. My mum was a single mum to three of us!
I have some good tips for the fighting between siblings though, try not to get in the trap of giving them lots of attention for arguing and fighting and leaving them when they are good and quiet, Its hard. Say to them they must try and sort out their problems themsevles and teach them to compromise. Also give them praise when they do get on and play well together. Do lots of things all together and have lots of fun with them, it definately makes life less stressful. One thing children of different ages like is an obstacle course around the garden or a treasure hunt. Give them all their own specific responsibilties around the house according to age and they can help choose them. Lots of praise when they are good, ignoring the little things but having limits will make life easier. Hope this helps. Good luck !