I'm slowly but surely going insane...?

Question

I just had my third child 7 weeks ago and i have a son who is 4 1/2 and a daughter who is 3 in a few weeks time.

I'm breastfeeding my bub and it seems like everytime i sit down to feed him the older 2 think they can run wild...they are sending me bonkers...nothing is safe lol

They are constantly in an out of the fridge helping themselfs to whatever they like, they climb up an get into the cupboards, they grab the kitchen chairs to climb on so they can reach the car keys then they go an trash the car, or they get into my bag to find the chewing gum, they grab all the dvd's down take them out of their cases an trash them and they have figured out how to open the front an back driveway gates an they think it's ok to run away down the street...I have tried EVERYTHING including taking away their toy's, not giving them treats, smacking them, having quiet time, putting them in their rooms, the naughty corner and i've even tried sitting down with them and nicely explaining why they shouldn't be doing this...I've told them both in detail about stranger danger and they shouldn't open the gates an try running away incase a naughty stranger danger tries to steal them an they never get to see mummy an daddy again but it seems no matter what i do it dosen't work1

There not like this for my partner, most of the time they will do as he tells them to..problem is he works 2 jobs so i'm left here alone with them ignoring my every word.

Has anyone been through this and found something that worked?

Any ideas are grately appreciated, thx =)

Answer 1

You need to punish your children for their bad behavior.  Just because you cant get to them when you are feeding but you certainly can get them when you are finished.  You need to be firm and follow through  EVERY TIME.  Get some tips from your partner.  You can also have your partner talk to them.  

OR you can bribe them.  "If you guys are good after I feed the baby I will read a book to you"  Something of that sort.

They want your attention and maybe if you spend time with them when the baby isnt involved they may feel better and act better when you are finished.

I know its hard when you have little ones.  

Good luck and I hope I have helped a little bit.

Ohno has nailed it. Good advice

Answer 2

I have a younger sister who had her first child at the age of 16, her second child by the age of 17, and her third child before she was 19. She was very fortunate that she and her husband, both children themselves, lived with her husband's parents. Much of the stress of dealing with three young children under the age of 5 was absorbed by her mother and father-in-law. You need some family help--either from your family or your husband's. Without support, your mental stability is in danger--as is your marriage.

Answer 3

Pay attention to your partner next time he speaks to the kids.  

You'll probably notice fewer words, a calm, nonsense demeanor.

He speaks with authority and expects to be obeyed.

So, they do as he says.

Change your tone and your ways now, or you'll never have any control over the children.

Imagine how bad that is going to be by time they are 10 or 15.

Also, would it be difficult to have someone come in and help for an hour or two?

You need a break and a cup of tea.