Hi there to all you mums of many. I have 3 kids with one more on the way, and the oldest 2 are 13 and 10. They actually got along well when they were little (or is it my rosy coloured glasses and the passage of time???) however they are now absolutely revolting. They bait each other constantly, say nasty, nasty things to each other, and it's only because I've told my son that you never ever hit a female that he hasn't punched her lights out yet. I am sure I've given you all hope for the future, it really doesn't get any better! I always got along pretty well with my sister, the occasional fight, but we are really close and always have been. I find it difficult to cope with my kids' animosity. My ex-husband says they're really good at his place, so i don't know what I'm doing wrong, too soft on them probably.

Yesterday, my 10 y/o deliberately bent my son's fingernail down to halfway up the nail bed (ouch) and he came to me and said
"Mum, I am so proud of myself for not hitting Kathryn, cos she really deserved it this time". Priceless............

My son's solution is to spend a lot of time in his room playing his guitar, coming out for meals and the occasional bit of T.V. And frequent sleepovers. Mealtimes are easy, he is a teen, and doesn't look up from his plate until it's all gone, and he's eaten all the leftovers too. So they don't have time to fight.

As I am pregnant with number 4, i am wondering how it will be this time, between the 2 youngest. Of course the older ones dote on Emma, she's so little that they can hardly pick a fight with her. I suspect she will probably experience some jealousy, especially with her Dad, as they are soooooo close. Any tips???

Take care out there, Jill.