How does your highly extrovert child relax? Is telly actually relaxing?

[adjsavedmylife]

DS is just about to turn 4. Very externally oriented. Likes lots of chat, getting out and about, stimulation, role play, then ideally some more chat. Doesn’t really play independently for more than a few minutes, generally making figures talk .

He dropped his napped about 8 months ago but alas kept his beloved early morning so is still really tired in the afternoons. Tired especially also after 3 long days at nursery Tue-Thur.

If he can’t have the full attention of an adult or other company he just wants to watch tv. Generally, but it’s MUCH worse when he’s tired or ill.

I can’t always give him my full attention all the time. I have 16 month old DD, and even if I didn’t I feel I should encourage at least a bit of self reliance. But he really does seem tired and it’s the only way he’ll just relax by himself. He won’t have audio books.

Any other ideas? Thanks so much.

At four my always busy, crazy energy extrovert Ds didn't relax...He was awake and on the go or asleep...TBF he napped a few times a week almost until reception (often crashed out in the mid afternoon on the way back fromn somewhere).. DD turned out to be a partner in crime as soon as she got going. Me ... well I was dead from the neck down by the time dh got home. They eventually played together (thank god she was an extrovert to). He's still needs someone around (does homework at the kitchen table), but now has mates he can talk at too. All conversations still occur at pace and volume in our house (because strangely wildly extrovert DC have attracted extrovert friends)...I have taken up yoga and paddle boarding . So ummme maybe learn to embrace the new normal?

Thanks @hettie, there may be a certain amount of embracing the new normal for sure!

But he’s so obviously tired I guess I just want to help him. Maybe it’s something he has to learn for himself...