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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect my 10 year old to leave me alone for a bit

23 replies

Sunnydays999 · 31/07/2019 13:45

So far this holidays she has been on several days out( beach park fair local museum ) had friends over to play on several occasions . We are going on holiday next week . I have offered to enrol her on a number or holiday sessions at a local play scheme . She refused . Her dad is now on nights . She can colour read have the iPad do crafts , we have a play station . It’s pouring with rain and I’m tired . Trying to do jobs listening to podcasts . She doesn’t want to help but does want to hide in door ways to make me jump , run up and down the stairs and generally being a pest . Have now lost patience . Am I expecting to much ? Isn’t normally a pain

OP posts:
makingmammaries · 31/07/2019 14:13

YANBU. Offer her a job to do and tell her if she doesn’t want to then she needs to entertain herself for the next hour, pointing to the clock.

sockatoe · 31/07/2019 14:25

She either needs some exercise or some attention. If you're not up for the playground, can you send her into the garden for a run around or whatever you have there? If it's attention she needs and you're tired, it's time to pop a film on and have a snooze under a blanket. Perhaps she will help with the jobs later?

OnlyaMan · 31/07/2019 14:30

When I was little, my parents uncles and aunts would send me and my cousins "out to play" as soon as possible. If we came back, they would angrily wave us away, through the windows.
Not so easy if it is raining of course...……….I guess I need to think about this, and come up with some sensible suggestions.
Sorry.

Zaphodsotherhead · 31/07/2019 14:32

Will she read a book?

5BlueHydrangea · 31/07/2019 14:34

Give her the Hoover! Mine happily did some this morning as she was bored.

Biscusting · 31/07/2019 14:37

Sweet Jesus she’s 10. Surely a quick word about needing peace for a specified amount of time is all you need here.

Original poster
Sunnydays999 · 31/07/2019 14:37

I have to admit I ended up snapping as nothing I suggested was good enough . We are limited today . Dh is on nights so nothing noisy and it’s pouring here . Have explained to her she will just have to watch a film . I do washing online shop etc

OP posts:
Original poster
Sunnydays999 · 31/07/2019 14:38

@Biscusting yes my feelings exactly. Confused

OP posts:
Livebythecoast · 31/07/2019 15:05

Ask her to make you something or draw a great picture and you'll mark it out of 10 so it needs to be really good.

Tumbleweed101 · 31/07/2019 15:09

I had this the other day with my 10yo. Followed me room to room, looking over my shoulder at what I was doing and just being everywhere I was. She got snapped at eventually and has been fine since - she got into a book after that so is reading when I busy with other things.

foreverhanging · 31/07/2019 15:49

Would she want to read Harry Potter? (If she hasn't already)

Original poster
Sunnydays999 · 31/07/2019 15:55

@foreverhanging brilliant idea 💡 Iv dug the books out she has seen the film so is interested Smile

OP posts:
my2bundles · 31/07/2019 15:56

I've had this adwell. Unfortunately the suggestions of activity dont work like they used to when he was younger. I've found the only way is snapping once I've lost it. He then knows he has taken it to far.

foreverhanging · 31/07/2019 15:56

Fabulous. I spent endless hours and hours reading at that age - it's really magical especially the first time!

Original poster
Sunnydays999 · 31/07/2019 15:56

@Tumbleweed101 I think they maybe take a while to get into the flow of not being structured after school . She is thankfully now reading . But yes afraid to say I snapped I don’t feel like entering her 24/7

OP posts:
Original poster
Sunnydays999 · 31/07/2019 15:57

@foreverhanging yep she is silent and engrossed now - phew !

OP posts:
ysmaem · 31/07/2019 16:06

Books? Chores? Colouring? Movie?
When my kids are bored out of their skulls I usually allow them to get real comfy in my bed and binge on Netflix.
How about you make a lift together of things she'd like to do/finds interesting?

parrotonmyshoulder · 31/07/2019 16:14

Glad she’s reading! Mine will read for hours on end, but is currently baking while I prepare for camping tomorrow. My 7 year old DS, on the other hand, requires a lot more attention. He is, for the moment, happily playing on the stairs (that I need to walk up and down).

foreverhanging · 31/07/2019 16:38

Ah I'm so pleased!

ArgumentativeAardvaark · 01/08/2019 13:33

Is she an only child? I have an only and I do worry about this scenario in years to come. He’s 3 at the moment and I do find myself saying “Mummy’s busy” more often than I think I should, but how else do you get the housework done?

When I was a kid I mostly whiled away the time fighting with my brother.

QuimReaper · 01/08/2019 13:37

Now you've got her on the Potters you won't see her all week Grin Fab idea!

winterisstillcoming · 01/08/2019 17:56

I'm in the same boat. Anything that keeps both of mine occupied usually involves a mess though. Looking at soccer camp right now.

Pineapplefish · 01/08/2019 17:57

Great update OP!

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