On a typical summer holiday day or weekend how much time do you spend actively playing with you kids?

[ChefsKisser]

I have 2 DC 7 & 5. Currently on school hols, bar a week with grandparents and 2 weeks family hols they’ve had 3 weeks holiday club (they love this) and 2 off with me. Thing is on those 2 days I have lots of stuff to do (sorting house, prepping for holiday, bits of DIY I need doing etc). We play together, meet friends, go to the park etc etc but they struggle to play independently and I hear ‘mum, mum, mum’ alllll day. DH says go cold turkey- when I’ve played for an hour say ‘right no screens, entertain yourselves til lunch I’ve got X to do’ but I feel guilty. Do you do this? They play together nicely and have loads of toys etc!

Sorry to clarify- 1 week with grandparents, 2 weeks family hol with me and DH and 3 weeks of 3 days in holiday club, 2 days off with me. Hope that makes sense

I don't think mine played particularly independently at 5. I think most of the day was taking up with kids. Of course you need to do things so perhaps had them at the table doing something while I cooked dinner or "helping" me with washing or playing in the garden while I planted. But the day is done in conjunction with them. I could leave her if I put the telly on for a bit so would do this when I needed to but no I wouldn't expect a 5 year old to just want an hour of company and then be expected to entertain themselves til lunch.

One of mine would play but have a constant stream of telling you what she was doing!

Thankfully mine are older (well I have an 11 and 9yo and they play with the youngest who is 6)

I facilitate and pay for everything (ranging from sandwiches at the local park to this year's family holiday) but they entertain themselves to a certain degree. Obviously I join in with some things - we went crabbing, had sandcastle competitions, played beach volleyball etc on holiday and I make suggestions for games and activities when we are out and about.

I mostly participate from a safety point of view these days... make sure they don't injure themselves.

I still get a fair bit of "mummy I'm bored" (mainly from the 9yo) but there's enough siblings and toys and hobby stuff (and chores) that they can be pointed in a direction to make them "un-bored"