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Personal space and 5yo

1 reply

PlanetOtter · 17/08/2025 12:05

DD is fabulous. But…

She’s not great at playing alone, and when she’s with me she is constantly touching me. If she’s sitting near me she wants to be on my lap, if we’re standing up she leans on me. When brushing her teeth she likes to stroke my arms.

It’s driving me a little bit insane. Partly just because I want personal space, partly because it’s really irritating when I’m doing something like cooking, and partly because she’s big enough that having someone semi-constantly in my lap is getting heavy!

I feel like I’m constantly asking her to get away from me - nicely of course, but it doesn’t feel a great message.

We’ve talked generally about consent and only doing things to people that they’re happy with. But it doesn’t seem to sink in that this applies to me too!

I don’t want to discourage cuddles, but I do need some space. Help!

OP posts:
Early3Rise · 17/08/2025 16:07

Oof I'd find that a lot, especially in this heat.

I'd assume she'll grow out of it fairly soon.

I think I'd have to say something kindly if I felt vwry over stimulated

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