How much do you leave your children to play alone?

[crazymumofthree]

I have 3 little ones 4,6 and 8. How much do you mummies leave the children to just get on with it as such?

During the week I pretty much leave the kids to play among themselves after school as we get home and I am busy sorting dinner, having a tidy up etc obviously if they need me I am there. They at the moment have been playing in the garden or play a game upstairs, we then sit down for dinner together once Dad gets home and do bedtime routine so quality time spent then, last night for example me and daddy then had a football match with the kids after dinner in the garden. On the weekends we do days out and spend more quality time but again we do expect the children to just play at times, is this normal? Maybe I am feeling a little bad atm as we have just moved and so are expecting the kids to get on with it a little bit more than normal whilst we are sorting bits in the new house.

I wondered is there's an average amount you spend sitting down and playing with the kids? Do you try and do something each day/ week etc? Daddy manages the eldest boys football team so is quite involved in that, they also have a season ticket from September and he is going to take middle son swimming every week so he gets some one on one time too. My daughter is not at school so spends a lot of time with us already anyway. I guess just trying to balance three and the guilt trip of time vs being organised with the rest of my life.

[Lazypuppy]

Why just 'mummies'?

[weekfour]

I kind of agree with Lazy that it’s not just about mums. However, I can see what you’re getting at..

I think how your house works sounds a bit like mine. I think it’s important for children to have some non-scheduled time. It’s important to learn to be bored and how to find something to do, within reason.

Mine also will come and join the adults with whatever they’re doing. They’ll help change beds and talk to us while we make meals or tidy. There’s always someone in ear shot. Our 3rd DC is still a baby so we have no choice other than to just get on with it sometimes.

Over scheduling can cause problems in my opinion. Your kids have some one on one time so I’d just crack on.

[Xmasbaby11]

You sound like they do well on their own. Mine are 4 and 6 and often want my attention. I'm trying to train them to play independently.