How do you give each child their own time and space away from each other?

Question

I have three girls ages 4, 6, and 8. I feel like my 8 year old may be a little immature for her age. Is it because she's with her younger sisters all of the time? I need to let go a little and let her do her own thing sometimes. How do I don that?

Answer 1

Every child has their own "schedule" for growing up. It's not right or wrong it's what's right for her. Until most children hit puberty they feel very comfortable playing together regardless of the age. Make sure you're tuned into you children and they'll let you know when they're ready to distance themselves from their siblings. I would get each girl involved in some extracurricular activity apart from her sisters, but if she's not complaining I would leave her alone.

Answer 2

It's ok. Treat them as individuals certainly but let her fit in with her sisters. Think back in history, each child having their own bedroom is very new. Kids only playing with other kids their own age is also new. For most of human history the children of a house were together as almost a pack and protected each other and ruled each other. You're right in letting go and allow her to be who she is. My oldest daughter colored along with her little sister a long time after a child moves on. Her art now is beautiful and I think its the gift of added time. Relax, don't let the books worry you.

Answer 3

these days it is not too safe to let her do her own thing. Let her join some groups with girls her own age. Scouts is good. Have her friends over but keep the younger ones away as much as possible. Be thankful she is still young when i see questions in here from pregnant 12 year olds it makes me want to wrap my daughter up in bubble wrap and keep her away from the real world (I know, I know, I can't do that)

Answer 4

Let her go with friend her age, send some of the kids with a relative sometimes or a sitter and let them have one on one time with you ar with some other adult and do something with each of them that is age appropriate. I have 10 year old boy, 6 year old girl, and 3 year old boy. It can be hard for everyone, but you can do it.

Answer 5

If you have a friend with a child your oldest daughters age why not set up a play date between the two of them and find something for the youngers to do just as fun so they don't bother her yet don't feel left out as well. Which is easyer said then done...

Answer 6

You could add something special to her room. This might make her spend a lot more time by herself alone in her room. Tell everyone not to disturb her at certain times. Try enrolling her in some after school activities. Give her a little time to herself. She might unattach her self from her younger siblings. She will spend time with them but not as much as before.

Answer 7

Encourage all forms of social activity. Allow friends over, have parties for them on birthdays. Support them in the activities they need. Young girls beginning at 8 need to be with friends. They grow up together and the bonds they form help them form sociallly responsible characters.

Answer 8

Find something that is unique about each girl...if one likes playing baseball let that be her thing, if the other wants to do gymnastics that should be her thing and so on...try to schedual time alone with each of them if possible Good Luck

Answer 9

I think you should get them all involved in seperate activities that way they are around children of their own age and gives them a chance to find their own identies!

Answer 10

put her in a play group with kids her own age and maybe she might find that they can be mean and want to hang out with her sisters