Tuesday, January 13, 2009

The post where I vent

I figured I'd get that out right away so if you don't want to read, you can just go on your merry way. I'm going to vent about my children. Ready. Ok.

The twins will be 2 on Friday. They are in the full throes of being toddlers. They are downright defiant 99% of the time. They throw their cups, forks, spoons, bowls and food from their high chairs. They throw every.single.toy they touch. They launch every blanket and stuffed friends out of their bed every.single.day at naptime. Diaper changes are such a struggle that there are days when I'd rather leave them in soggy pants than attempt one more diaper change. Bathtime takes two people and while in the tub they're great, they fight hair drying and teeth brushing with such passion it's amazing. They hit each other, their older siblings and me. If they figure out biting we're screwed. (OMG. While I was writing this Annie started screaming in her crib. I went upstairs, and there she was NAKED except for her shirt and onesie around her neck, and pee all over the crib. Arghhhhhh.)

Drew is 4 now, and has become this mouthy little brat. He sticks out his tongue, throws toys, wrestles toys out of his sisters' hands. He throws himself on the floor in huge crying fits over the littlest thing. He refuses to pick up toys after he's done playing with them. He constantly tells me and the girls what to do. His behavior is maddening.

Megan. Well, let's see. Megan refuses to do ANYTHING. She won't pick up her bedroom. She won't help clean up the living room. She fights every attempt at rules we have. If we say we're going to take away hockey practice, she just yells that she hates hockey and doesn't want to go anyway. She says we do nothing for her, yet everything we do revolves around her. She throws herself on the floor and cries every time we ask her to do something helpful. And she's going to be 8 in two weeks. Acts more like the 2 year olds most of the time.

All of this behavior happens on a daily basis. It's not an every-once-in-awhile event. It's constant. I'm exhausted and exasperated. I don't get vacations from them, and rarely any break. Oh, I love them more than anything, but these days, I just want to get away from them in the worst way possible.

And now I must remind the twins for the zillionth time that it's NAPTIME dammit and to please for the love of cookies GO TO SLEEP.

10 comments:

Robyn said...

You need more than a good venting session -- you need a vacation (or some help)!

I was thinking about you while I was away this weekend -- I don't know how people with more than one kid deal with anything. I have my hands so full with Bear (even when he's behaving) that I can't imagine how you deal with 4 on a daily basis.

Sending you some hugs...

Cass. Just Curious said...

Today just sucks. I hate today. I'm sorry that the kids are giving you a hard time. I know I was a giant PITA from time to time (read: all the time) and I remember vividly one day my mother said to me "I LOVE YOU but I do not like you and I want to like my daughter" It was an aha moment for me. I wanted to be liked. I have an idea about something but I'll send you an e-mail about it.

LoriD said...

My 8-year-old goes into the same kinds of fits. They don't happen very often, but when they do, I find them totally, utterly exasperating. Her list of alleged injustices makes no sense!

I can't imagine all four driving you bonkers at the same time. My guys do this thing where when one is acting up, the others are extra good. The 3-year-old will say, "I'm not fussing, right mom?"

Jill said...

I don't know how you do it, Kristin. You are incredible!

But it does sound like you need a break. Anyone would! Can you swing getting a little help for a couple hours a few times a week?

Hang in there and anytime you need to vent, you go right ahead and do it!

AndreAnna said...

Ugh, I'd drink arsenic with a straw!

You're doing great even if it doesn't feel like it some days.


you know where you can run if you need a vacation.

P.S. My word verification is "calmm". Ironic, no?

Anonymous said...

sounds like chaos!
It must be tough without a break. I remember working at a daycare with 12 two year olds and that was tough. oh man.
I hope everything settles down! they sound like great kids
good luck

Thia said...

I read this and didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Crying won out. I am right with you. Exasperated. Exhausted. It's no comfort, but you're not alone.

creative kerfuffle said...

(hug) that's all i've got. mainly because there's no way in hell i could do what you do and so obviously i'm no help. but (hug) : )

Anonymous said...

Sounds like someone needs a visit from Super Nanny!

2Forgetful said...

Every April I go to my mothers of multiples club state convention. It's two much needed nights away from my house. Many of my friends go with me and it's a great road trip. This year we're going to do a girl weekend instead. Just 5-6 of us who need a break. It makes me a better mom.

Diapers - have you tried duct taping their diapers on. That and putting their pajamas on backwards (zipper int he back) helps with the naked thing.

Bathe them one at a time if it's too much when they're in there together.

I have no further advice except hang in there and keep venting. Venting makes me feel better. My pediatrician told me that I need to ignore the tantrum or redirect so as not to give in to the bad behavior. So now when one is throwing a tantrum I call my good friend J. and vent about how awful this age is. :-)

Hang in there!