I have become a screaming monster :(

[MrsFabuloso]

I could have written that post hun. I have two that won't listen until I am a screaming banshee I know how it feels and it's not great. If you knew me irl, you owuld know I am actually not a loud or bousterous person, so screaming at my children is so out of character for me, particularly in that I am a childcare worker and I am sooo patient with other people's kids! I hate that I can rationalise what other children do but when it's mine it all feels like it's so personal. I have no advice, sorry but just thought I'd let you know you're not alone. ]
And I'd like to hear what advice others have...

[Arimeh]

When DS was acting like that I just told him that I would never take him shopping again. He was old enough to understand what I was saying, and I tell him that if he's naughty then we're leaving. Straight out. I don't care if I leave groceries in the shopping trolley or whatever, I WILL walk out of there and just go straight home.

He is a star performer at the supermarket now - never misbehaves. I guess he realises that its more fun going - than NOT going.

[Lulu]

When DS was acting like that I just told him that I would never take him shopping again. He was old enough to understand what I was saying, and I tell him that if he's naughty then we're leaving. Straight out. I don't care if I leave groceries in the shopping trolley or whatever, I WILL walk out of there and just go straight home.

I second, third and fourth that, it really works. Sometimes you only have to do it once and they geddit.

Beside that, if you can get someone to watch him for an hour whilst you shop on your own it's so much easier and less rushed.

[Party-of-five]

no helpful advice i just want you to know your not alone somedays i just wanna cry after shopping

[sirenz]

thanks for your replies ladies, its good to know i'm not alone.. i'm just so mentally exhausted EVERY SINGLE DAY lately from yelling and i'm so over it. I hate hearing kids getting yelled at, so imagine how my son feels when i'm the one yelling it breaks my heart.

I like the idea of just leaving the shops, i think i might try that next time..

It makes it hard too because I don't like to take my eyes off ds when he is walking around with me (i'm so paranoid someone will snatch him up and run away with him), so its hard to concetrate on grocery shopping and what he is doing at the same time. I just wish I understood properly WHY are they so naughty at this age??

[ss_storm]

would he listen to you if you made him his own little shopping list? You could cut out pictures during the week of a few things you need to get and it can be his job to find them and either carry them himself or put them in the trolley? Don't know if he is old enough to understand that but it may help?

[Jaycee]

Our boys are exactly the same age and my DS is exactly the same, he just won't listen, the only difference being he behaves quite well when out and about, but once we are home wow he's so different! It's like he changed overnight into a little devil child. I think it must just be an age thing. I hope they grow out of it soon!

[Bathsheba]

Two suggestions: Coles Online, and: know that you are not alone.

I became a screamer with my third child. Possibly it was because of my thyroid condition (makes me feel like I have constant PMT) possibly because this child just really knows how to push my buttons. I find that it helps to remind yourself that so many mums feel at a total loss about what to do too and that no one of any worth is judging you. Also, you know what? Don't feel pressured that you have a half full trolly and need to complete the shop and pay. Very few people would even notice if you just parked the trolly and walked out

Oh and also... if you can bite your tongue for the count of 10 the urge to scream often passes. I visualise flicking a switch... switching off the banshee mummy button

[Kezz]

I does get easier, my 2 eldest I dont seem to scream at them as much these days being 5 and 7, my 4 year old is still going through the not listening thing. He will be looking at you as if he is listening, but ask him a question and I get a blank look.... It drives me absoloutly insane that I want to pull out my hair.