oh! the Tantrums, the tantrums, the @£$%^ tantrums

what a week it has been. 7year old has gone for the "Big Daddy" approach - kill mommy with tantrums and freaking out. Monday was the worst day, Tuesday was a bit better, Wednesday we ramped it up again, Thursday was passable, and Friday (sorry Wham, it wasn't the best day!) was the doppio day. All he wants is attention, but @£$%!£ hell. The method is driving me mental. I don't even want to see him after this week, but I've got the whole weekend ahead of me.

Sigh

Sigh

Sigh

Trying to remember that I'm the adult. Do not get involved in any arguments with the CHILD. Walk away. Don't get embroiled. Don't blow a gasket.

it's time to go

Oh joy of joys ! There is nothing quite like going to collect your children from a play date. "Pick up time" : it sows dread in the heart of even the strongest mother. I just despise it - you forewarn them that it's going to happen, you tell them that when you arrive we are going to have to leave. You try and manage their expectations, but there's still the wailing and gnashing of teeth at 'home time'. It drives me to distraction.
One is physically too strong for me to force out of the house and too heavy to pick up. The other goes for a different tack - he attacks his friend as we're about to leave. Is there some weird need for attention? Are they trying to get back at me, for calling an end to the fun ? yes. that's it.

THEY'RE ONLY CHILDREN