I keep in mind one day at the time and do deep breaths

I yell a lot… not nice, I know, but dealing with kids who constantly do the same thing every single time really gets to me! They are of an age where they should be able to think “I shouldn’t take this out, dump it on the floor and walk away without actually using it” without being told 5-6 times. It’s so infuriating and is a constant issue in my house.

I just totally ignore everyone and dont even speak to them they soon get the message

Life is not easy and I had children I did everything for and a husband who was never interested, I bought the Easter eggs the birthday and Christmas presents I went to sport days dropped them and picked them up took time to watch them at school sports supported them and he never once wanted to go had excuses. I cooked all the time so the kids had fresh cakes biscuits. I had no one I could talk to he was abusive and would put me down until one day I couldn’t take it anymore. Then my kids turned against me and blamed me for breaking the marriage up. So all I can say is put your foot down and make them respect you.

I keep reminding myself that there are people doing it tough, who are dealing with terrible conditions. Being grateful for what I have keeps everything in perspective and keeps me going.

When life gets difficult I chat with my loved ones. You say you go on strike. You mean you strike at home and refuse to do anything anymore. What do you achieve with striking and who does it hurt ? striking certainly sends a message, although I wonder if it’s the most effective message. When I’m not pleased with the behaviour of the household members I talk with them and show how their behaviour effects me. Setting rules & expectations about everyones responsibilities in the house is a good thing. When I struggle during a day I think taking a deep breath has an instant effect and so does walking away for a moment and catch some sun. I journal every day certainly helps. I started this when my now 10yr old started to escalate in most concerning behaviours and we had even police and child protection involved. My daughter already had psychological help and we also have now NDIS funding. So sometimes we need professional help as well as a shoulder to lean on and a big cry when needed.

I’ve tried the strike. No one seems to notice. If tea isn’t cooked, they get something themselves. Favourite shirt not washed, wear second favourite shirt. Stack rubbish in front of door, they step over or around it

I ask for help – I delegate jobs for family members so they feel they’re contributing and I don’t feel like I’m doing everything.

Call a friend. Try to find time to do something a little out of the ordinary (eg a walk by myself). Buy myself a $5 treat.

I’m glad it’s not just me who has a failure to cope every now and then!

I was like this many years ago because I was doing too much for others and forgot about myself . It is called over sacrificing and it is exhausting you to the end. Sometimes it is just picking up the phone and talking to a counsellor if it feels too much and you cant talk to anyone about it . Ask yourself what do you need support in and see if you can think outside your home to see if there resources available. Take a breath and take a break when needed .

Sometimes I wait until my daughter goes to bed and have a huge cry haha so adult of me hey. I have to call in reinforcements sometimes – Grandparents. My husband is a shift worker and does what he can but he has no patience. I just keep thinking…they won’t be like this forever, take a deep breath, walk away and come back when I’ve calmed a bit.

I just keep going knowing that there will be better times ahead.

I’ve strikes too, not sure they even noticed. I just plod along til life gets easier or problems get sorted. No other choice in my eyes

I walk away and get some peace for a few minutes, even just a nice relaxing shower

Take some time to go for a walk, go to a park and read a book is a good comment I read!

Wish I could strike. I’m a single mum with 4 so I don’t really have that possibility, I wish though lol. I just try to zone out for a bit, send kids outside to play, listen to some music. Or send them to bed early and have a movie night and a few drinks.

When life gets difficult i generally try and do more to forget about the difficult stuff and then if I don;t stop in time – I get sick – so in a round about way I guess I go on strike too.

Good question! I would never have admitted it without your disclosure but I’m withnyou on striking! Sometimes it seems we do everything! Even on weekends when my hubby is around to help, I have to get involved in all his projects and remind him ‘ you know I usually do all this on my own!’

Yep, going on strike is the way to go. Then they suddenly realise that you are the magic fairy that’s been doing everything all along…every couple of months I resort to this method. So frustrating though. Eating helps! And eating heaps of what you really want!! Time out for yourself is important too.