What can we give a six year old to do?

[WaitingForMe]

DSS2 is six, a middle child and we're struggling a bit with him.

I've got a vile cold so was huddled on the sofa with a blanket. DSS1 (9) was laid on the floor reading and DS (2) was playing quietly with his Duplo. DSS2 was just in their faces (leaning in front of DSS1, blocking his book and singing obnoxiously then taking blocks off DS to "help" which made him cry). I suggested he help DH with dinner. After laying the table he wanted to come back and join us.

He just wants attention but he had an hour with just DH this morning, we went out as a family for a few hours to buy decorations then DH took him and DSS1 on a long walk. We exercise him as much as we can and he gets loads of play time with his brothers but there comes a point where everyone wants to just chill out a bit.

Please tell me we're doing something obvious wrong! DS is in bed and DSS1 is having a bath so he's getting yet another hour of DHs undivided attention. How much attention does a child need?!!!

[TimelyNameChangey]

I have a 6 year old DD who is the same. She's the youngest of two though...I suspect it's just her full on personality. She does best when I give her jobs such as folding laundry or once, sanding down wood!

It was just scrap blocks but I told her it was to help Daddy...she sat there for hours!

In the end I made some building bricks out of them...win win.

[SuedeEffectPochette]

Paper chains is what I use when really desperate!