My daughter is always asking me to play with her. So we will do an activity like art, dancing, etc. But...?

Question

...but that isn't enough. I tell her that I am tired and have already played. She acts like I am depriving her of my attention. Is this normal? Or could something be wrong? (She's 9.) What is a normal amount of quality time to spend with one's child?

Answer 1

This is something you have to establish with them. When my kids were tiny (like 18 mos) I gave them 15 min in the pack and play. Then, when they were older, like 2.5 yrs maybe 30 min in their room. My daughter, who is 4 will play for 2 hrs in her room some days now. I, of course, still play with her too. My son is a more persistent person and did not enjoy the pack and play and climbs on the furniture in his room, so I have not been so successful with him and this alone play time. I think I shall pay the price when he is older.

Maybe give her some time limits. I hate to say I am tired or busy, but say, I am going to set the timer for 30 min to rest, check email, wash the floor, whatever. During that time, you need to play a computer game, read books in your room or play (I don't know what 9 yr olds play). Start with 15 min or 20 -- then go to 30, etc. Always praise her at the end. That is what I would do. It is what I try to do with my son. But he is only 2.5 and still a wild man!

Good luck!

Answer 2

She has mommy wrapped around her little finger. You need to establish a time line with her when you are going to play with her, Let her know that you can only play for an hour or two and that you have other things that you need to do. She knows what buttons to push with you and she knows you will give in. Playing for a couple of hours a day or every other day is good, she should play with her friends as well. Ask her to invite a friend over to play when you are done. I know as a mother that after so long it does get a bit boring and tiresome to play dolls or whatever, espicially when you have other things to do. So just set the guidlines and put your foot down and don't feel guilty mom.

Answer 3

Seriously, it may be too much for him. If it was me, I'd cut it back a bit, or split it up, doing two for English, two for Science, etc. Since he likes drawing, try having him write a caption for his drawing. I'm just suggesting the problem may lie with the assignments, rather than him. Is there a reason they have to be written? Why not do some of the assignments orally instead? If you're happy with his penmanship, why force so much writing? I expect you are looking at increasing his writing ability into paragraphs etc, but it sounds like he just might not be ready for that yet. I'm of the opinion that if something requires that much smacking heads against brick walls, there must be another less painful way of doing it.

Answer 4

Obviously, you need to cut down on work and other activities so that you can spend more time with your daughter. Children must come first with their mothers when they are young. If you work outside the home, that if fine, but you must balance your family life with work. Working 20 to 30 hours a week is good and you can get a reduced schedule if you are a manager or supervisor. Another possibility is to change jobs or demote yourself. You could even start a business at home on a part-time basis. There is more to life than money and success.

Answer 5

are you married or divorced, I have an 8 year old and her and I spend alot of time together when she comes to my house for my visitaion. just remember to spend all the time with her now because she is going to be growing up and when she is in her teens,she will be spending time with her friends anthen she will have a boyfriend or go to work then you will never see her. so you better spend the time now because you won't be able to get it back when she is older. good luck

Answer 6

at 9 she should have a couple friends around the neighborhood or even if they arent to have fun with. you shouldnt play with her 24/7.

Answer 7

That's fine. She is just active and wants to have your attenetion. She has a lot of energy to burn. Maybe you can give her a special activity or even a journal to keep her occupied when you are tired.

Answer 8

Get her involved in outside activities. Ballerina class, gymnastic, girlscots

Answer 9

There is no set time. Just tell her that there is always tomorrow to spend with her. If that works!

Answer 10

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