All such thoughts are normal. I have had days and nights when I thought this was the worst mistake I ever made and that it was the best decision ever--both thoughts at several differnt times during the day.

Tell them that you have to have time by yourself to get work done. They can either go watch a movie, play quietly, or sit in the corner (a chair) without speaking.

Also, a good thing is to make a book telling the story of their lives. Use a couple of folders for covers and put some paper in, stapled or bradded. Good for a whil.

If you have a mild powdered detergent (Ivory is best), make a water slurry, divide into egg carton cups, and add a very little bit of food coloring. Put in tub for finger painting. Good for 30 minutes. Turn on shower. Walls and faucets will shine.

The 8 kids in cages in Ohio are having their hearing this week. One child testified that as a consequence, the parents repeatedly held heads in the toilet water and flushed it--and made them drink the water. Can you believe it? I have done unorthodox things in my time, I have dreamed of duct taping them, but never in a million years would something like that occur to me!