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Kids are not listening; they are running amok and think they are hilariously funny when I say they are naughty. I have had a bad week with cheeky little kids and it does not help that by the time you sort out one, the other one starts and then you have to go chase after the other. And so on…

I know both girls are testing the boundaries but that does not help with the anger, frustration and annoyance it causes. I swear that if I was a cartoon that I would have steam coming from my ears, and head and I would have had a meltdown long before now.

I did promise that I would not yell as I hate how it makes me feel and I don’t want to terrorise my little girls and them think that mummy just yells, but it is hard when they do the following:

• Not listening
• Ignoring you when you speak
• Dropping things and not picking them up when asked
• When trying to get out of the house they are not letting me dress them, brush their hair and when it comes time for socks and shoes they play hide and seek
• Crying and becoming hysterical when I put them down for a rest.
• Defiant
• Stubborn
• Doing things they should not do “I told you not to sit on top of the heater!”
• I have to constantly repeat myself and I am saying NO, like it is the only word I know. “I said NO! Stop doing that!”
• So how do you cope with wilful and stubborn kids? I do have fantasies of leaving them with their father Friday night and returning Sunday night. It would be a nice weekend away but not a good idea. A nice red wine is also a good way to ease the nerves, but not a good idea long term.

I saw an article that mentioned that you should think about your own funeral, I know that sounds sad and morbid, but this is a great tactic as it gets you to think about how your kids will remember you. Will they remember a caring, loving mother or one who yells and screams at everything?

So what can you do to help?

• Take deep breaths
• Count to 10 before you react
• Praise good behaviour
• Time out for trouble rather than smacking
• A nice cup of tea or coffee depending on what you prefer
•  Get out of the house – take the kids and yourself to the park or just walk to the shops. This helps to change the scenery.
•  I find counting to 5 helps, if the child does not do it by 5 they are in trouble. Obviously they have been naughty before the counting started and it just shows that you mean business.
• A movie afternoon – put pillows on the floor and turn out the lights. This might help relax and defuse tension. Also you have the chance to put your head on the pillow and have some relaxation time (maybe)
• Listen to the child, they might really want to get something across to you and you are not listening

How do you deal with your child not listening to you? Dealing with a stubborn and wilful toddler is exhausting. Do you have any winning solutions to help other mums out there?