What happened to my GOOD kids?

Maybe this is normal when there is a baby on the way?

About 2 months ago, they both just started acting up so much. They dont listen to a word I say. Every night ends up with me screaming and them crying, but 5 minutes later, they go back to doing whatever they werent supposed to be doing.

I am also very low on patience being I am31/2 weeks pregnant and exhausted.

They humiliated me beyond belief yesterday. I had to take them with my to the Vets office to get our dog shots. They had to take the dog into the back because the kids were so crazy and not listening they were making the dog crazy and they couldnt hold him still.

I have had talks with Genevieve to try and find out WHY she is acting up like this and not listening, and I always think I get through to her and then she just starts up again.

This wasnt a gradual thing - it was pretty much overnight with both of them. I feel like I cant even take them out in public anymore because they act like animals.

People used to comment in public about how well behaved they were, and now I get these looks - from the kids to my belly - like "what is she thinking having another one?"

Please tell me this is something that will stop when the new baby comes and I'm home from work. This is way beyond normal bad child behavior.

Message edited 2/4/2010 8:37:12 AM.

Re: What happened to my GOOD kids?

It's probably a combination of age, and the fact that a baby is on the way - I don't know about you, but as I approached my due date, MY anxiety was out of control, and I know that Alex sensed it, and reacted to it. It sounds to me as if they are trying to get your attention, even if it means negative attention.

I have to say, the behavior got a little worse after Yael was born - Alex became clingy, whiney and really defiant. It lasted for about 4 months, and then we all settled into a new routine, and she's been getting better and better each day.

Three things have really helped - #1 - maintain their routine, as much as possible before and after baby is born - #2 - spend some alone time with each child, before and after baby is born, to show them that you are still there for them, and to give them reassurance during this time of change, which may make them uneasy, and #3 - reward chart, reward chart, reward chart - it really has worked absolute miracles in our house!

Re: What happened to my GOOD kids?

I agree with the pp, my anxiety was through the roof at the end of my 2nd pregnancy. It felt like the littlest thing made me feel out of control.. And the kids could definitely sense it. I swear I even felt like the dogs were acting up just to mess with me

It gets better

Re: What happened to my GOOD kids?