V | Imamother

seeker

Tue, Oct 25 2016, 8:34 pm

Can you describe more about the fighting and demands, maybe we can troubleshoot? Maybe they need a better after-school transition routine so they can make it to 8:30 without the marathon. Like a healthy snack ready before they get there and then some time/space apart from each other so they can cool down before starting to pick on each other?

amother

Pink

Tue, Oct 25 2016, 8:47 pm

It can be very hard. Don't beat yourself up.

First, just because you don't enjoy this stage doesn't mean you don't enjoy parenthood. It means that you are not enjoying this stage of the game. Everyone is different. Some moms love newborns and some love teenagers. That's life.

Practically, when my kids were that age, the school to bedtime hours were for kids and the kids alone. No laundry, no phone calls, nothing but their needs. We had a schedule of snack, homework, supper, play, bath and bed. They knew what to expect and that kept things moving along.

If you are lucky enough to have free time before they come home, devote the last half hour before they arrive to doing something that leaves you calm and refreshed.

Good luck!

amother

Azure

Tue, Oct 25 2016, 8:51 pm

seeker wrote:

The little one can't play independently and bugs the big one, who's easy but can't deal with her little brother (and is a little clingy with me). We have a very small apartment and they can't really be apart that much.

amother

Azure

Tue, Oct 25 2016, 8:52 pm

amother wrote:

No time alone for me except a few hours on Friday. That's it. I work.

amother

Peach

Tue, Oct 25 2016, 8:53 pm

I don't know if this is helpful at all or not but I was having a VERY hard time with the after school/camp time. I switched my daughter to a "calmer" school and she is sooo much more pleasant now. She doesn't have all that tension inside of her that was building up before.

amother

Azure

Tue, Oct 25 2016, 9:33 pm

amother wrote:

My kids are at a great school, but glad it worked out for your dd.