I do understand your frustration. Here’s what I have learned in my transition from Mama to teacher of high school culinary arts students:

1. Don’t yell at them – YOU are firmly in control. Save your anger for the big stuff. When necessary, pull the trouble-maker aside and speak firmly, with conviction, making eye contact, in a passionate, caring manner…..advising them of their options.
2. Sounds like they are not only acting like normal kids, they are unknowingly screaming for your attention.
3. Use your time TOGETHER in the kitchen. Can you engage them (occupy their time) by assigning them specific tasks related to what you’re making? Examples are measuring, gathering equipment, pouring , learning how to use the mixer…….
4. And more than anything else, as a mother and especially, as a teacher, I’ve learned that kids need an incentive……you can’t have ‘this’, if you don’t DO ‘that’. In other words, outline your expectations, and reward them OR NOT, based on their behavior (your expectations).
5. Create a ‘chore chart’ of tasks and expectations that will help YOU in the quest to de-stress. If they do not complete these chores……….dusting, hanging up their clothes, emptying waste baskets, doing laundry……then they don’t get your rewards, whether it’s cookies, a movie, going to friends’ houses, etc.
6. If you’re a working mom, they should be expected to be helping you! Teach them to BE helpful and learn self-reliance…….but make it fun for them. If they know their way around the kitchen, and you outline how they must treat it, you will empower them!

My apologies if I’m sounding like a know-it-all! I think I’m a good teacher because I was a mother first. I wish I had some of the knowledge gained through being an educator when I was raising my own! (We did a great job of raising two fine men – though we certainly had our trials and tribulations!) Just remember to be patient (ha-but only to a point!), give them attention through “doing” things TOGETHER, and don’t end a day without hugs, kisses, and “I love you”! And finally, remember, YOU are their first teacher……we teachers need you to start them out right, so WE don’t go crazy! 😉 Oh – and many thanks for a great recipe!