Do you ever..

[MomLife22]

feel like no matter how hard d you try you’re just not good enough for your kids and you cry because you are trying to teach them to be responsible and respect people and to be attentive but your approach never works.. I was in prison for 3 years away from my children and now that I’m back at home they only behave when my spouse is home and when my spouse leaves to work they do complete 360 and fight with each other and pester each other and when I tell them stop they say no. No is a word I hear very often.

[Starrlight]

Hi MomLife! I feel not good enough a lot. I think I have taken every bad word people have called me and took each to heart. But I’m healing and remembering there is nothing wrong with me,… we are unique … and it’s all good.

[Midori]

I think you need to talk with your spouse and get him to back you up, even if it means videoing the kids' shenanigans.

I get the feeling they have lost respect for you and you need to show a united front and you and your spouse should be enforcing Consequences on them.

Cheers, midori

[Hidden in reply to Midori]

i like the advice above...from what iv heard moms who care always feel the way u do...and Midori is right...ive seen kids just walk all over the kind moms......theyd last two nanoseconds with my marine eating "mother" (no mom ill tell u that..but does break in a lot of kids to not smart off)

[Hidden]

breaking in colts and fillies never easy....hurts as a parent but like calves that lke to fight and butt heads, say no...ish..they have a kids brains....nooo clue of big picture no clue of tons.......saying no can mean ok fine.....and consequences...none of us likes to be the tough guy...we want a nice close relathhship.....respect early now..while the calves are not teenage bulls and cows.......ur mom....no means yes .....they dont pick up lessons..they just dont think that way as they are kids.....brain doesnt mature til late....and like deployed people...ur workng ur way back in....i think Midoris advice is spot***** on..........all kids need chores and etc...be taught life skills.....some times tender but also sometimes....sorry one has to the job when a boss says this needs to be done.....i agree tho u need backup from ur spouse....excellent advice. sympathize of course....not!!!!! easy.......beng a parent frought with guilt...ur doing them a service breakng the young horses into the harness now....

[Agora1 in reply to Hidden]

You're a wise man Brig...very sound advice :)xx

[HoldingonLou]

I feel ya. I was away from my kids due to medical reasons and the youngest has no respect for me. If married, you do need a united front and even if not married. I'm divorced. I didn't have a united front when I was married and he sure isn't going to assist in providing it now either.

I would sit down and talk to your partner about how he/she addresses issues then I would have a whole family sit down. Try to enforce the same rules and if kids don't comply then have partner enforce them with you with something that effects them for the whole day. For example, maybe taking electronics away for 48 hours. Be ready for them to challenge you even more because change is always hit with reluctance but be persistent. Best Wishes. I'm still trying to establish respect from my youngest. It comes in little bits.