Nobody Told Me There Would Be Days (or weeks!) Like These...

There are days when I am certain that I would get along better with my kids if they were away from me for 8-10 hours like most other children their age. The biggest challenge, outside of the financial strain of living on one income, has been disrespect and disobedience. My husband and I are nice and respectful to each other, we say please and thank you and do not yell or scream at each other. I am rendered speechless at how naughty our kids behave. They just ignore me. I sometimes think it might be my perspective, but that is all I have. I certainly do not expect perfection, but I do expect respect. We have tried all kinds of consequences (time outs, loss of privileges, time out of toys, extra chores). Why don't they just do what we say?
I was thinking today that this might be why parents over schedule their kids and give them free reign to video games. Less interaction time must lead to fewer naughty interactions.
I have worked 7 of the last 14 days, even when I am gone for just a few hours, our lives are disrupted. I shudder to think how my kids would behave at home if they were in boring, monotonous traditional school all day.
I have no solution outside of prayer.
O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Amen

Mother Mary, help me

My 9 year old daughter's behavior has been a challenge to manage for some time. From her birth until now, she was very particular. There comes a point where she needs to just do what I say, when I say it because it is best for her and the family. I am so tired of the conflict. It is depressing. Her behaviors escalate when she eats a sensitive or allergic food and she has been on a roll this past week. I just do not understand, I would have never spoken to my parents the way she does. I do not ignore her words or actions, there are consequences, but those consequences seem to punish me with incessant repetitious wining and the behaviors continue. She can be so cold and outright mean. We, as a family, avoid situations where we know she will have a fit. It is just not with the fight. It is better to stay at home rather than to be embarrassed (or absolutely mortified).
This week I mentioned to a friend how sick our usually healthy family had been. She asked what I had been doing to aggravate the devil. I have no idea! If anything, I have fallen.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.