Time with DD

[SanFranBear]

I'm a single parent to two, DD who is 9 and DS who is 7.

DD is pretty outgoing and enjoys a couple of activities a week which means I have some time with just me and DS which is priceless. However, DS does not enjoy anything extra-curricular and has no interest in any of the group's I've suggested. He is also quite clingy in that he doesn't instigate any individual play or activities himself and always wants me or his sister with him. This means I never have time with just DD and I.

DD was quite upset tonight as she just wants to spend some time with just me but her brother, who she loves dearly, is just always here and always wants to be involved in everything.

Being so young, I obviously can't leave DS but I can totally see where she's coming from so I was hoping for some ideas?

Please be gentle - I love my DS so much and my DD does as well... we don't want to exclude him, just have some time for 1:1? It's so hard being on my own and I suspect it's just going to have to wait until they're older (although knowing my luck, DD won't want to spend time with me then!)

Do you have parents who could come for an afternoon and you take DD out?

I have a similar situation. I have a DD who's 8 and a very clingy (but lovely!) DS who's 6. DS seems to want my full attention all the time and I often feel I never have quality time with DD. Is there anyone who can look after your DS for a few hours while you and your DD have some time together - shopping, cinema, etc? If not, here's an idea of how you can have some special time with DD in the house. A couple of Fridays ago I put my DS to bed at his normal time then DD and I came up to my room, snuggled on the bed and watched a dvd together. We didn't tell my DS about this as of course he'd want to be involved. My DD loved having mummy all to herself. She said "I'm so happy you let me do this!". She had a late night but it was well worth it.

Thank you... sadly I only have my Dad and he lives abroad.

I do love the idea of keeping DD up a little bit and we spend some time just us two - not sure why I'd never really considered that before as I always put DS to bed and then go through to DD. We always have a good chat then but I think an extended session once a week could be the answer.

Thank you