Arghhh. Feels like kids are demanding.

[LadyWithTheWine]

How do you deal with demanding children? My children won't even give me peace to talk on the phone any more. There are constant interruptions (like every few seconds) as soon as anyone calls me and I'm pretty sure they can do a lot of stuff they insist on me doing. How do I deal with this and make them more independent? They are seven and nine. It's stuff like "I cannot find the remote control" or "I'm thirsty." I am sure they could just look for the remote or get themselves water. I'm a single parent and it gets a bit much. End of rant.

Single parent here and mine are also needy and demanding. Its tiring. Maybe we are trying to overcompensate cos we feel bad? It is.tough!
No answers but I bet you are a lively mum and doing your best
With drinks.etc I do tell them to.get it themselves but bedtimes are tough. They creep into my bed at night.

[quote LadyWithTheWine]@dinochum I think you are spot on about the one to one attention. She does seem to crave that. Her dad has been a dick and not bothered with them for 4/5 months now. He doesn't even call. [/quote]
Own it! Do stuff with just her. Doesn't need to be anything fancy. Perhaps get her involved in some general jobs WITH you and chat with her whilst you do stuff together. If she's less than willing "xxxx your room's a tip. Are you going to tidy it together with me now or on your own before you can watch TV?"

"Xxxx I'm cooking spag bol for dinner would you like to keep me company/help me"

And chat with her as well as issuing instructions. My oldest daughter's only 4 but we talk about all kinds of crap whilst putting away washing together. Or I ask her to give her baby sister a cuddle to help me if I'm busy doing something.

And praise. Lots and lots of praise when it's warranted :-)

I think you’ve created this. Time to get a bit tougher. I wouldn’t be able to stand that level of neediness at those ages

I would make sure that you give them undivided attention for a part of the morning/afternoon. Do something fun, chat, play, baking or something crafty, kick a ball.

Then you can ask them to be more independent for some of the time you need for calls

They may be struggling with lockdown & being off school. They're probably bored (like everyone else!)

Now groups are allowed could you invite a friend over to keep them busy? Then maybe it would be reciprocated so you get some child free time?

I suggested the cuddly toy op as my 12 year old was having trouble sleeping and she has a big elephant that she hugs in bed.

You're doing a great Job

@dinochum great ideas, thanks. I think she would love that. I will try it tomorrow.

Thank you everyone. This parenting lark is never straightforward!

With your DD still have some one on one time and then stay upstairs littering around tidying/cleaning so you are close by. There has clearly been a lot going on for her so I'm not surprised she is demanding your attention.

Sound really tough

I have 3 young children (7, 5, 2) who all want to talk to me CONSTANTLY and interrupt me/each other all the time, it is so draining so I feel you. If I am already talking to someone then I just hold my hand up to the interrupting child as if to say ‘wait’ and then when I’m done it’s their turn.

If I am on the phone or in the middle of something I’ll say ‘sure I’ll help you find the remote once I’ve finished this’. They usually get fed up waiting and do it themselves!

[quote LadyWithTheWine]@dinochum great ideas, thanks. I think she would love that. I will try it tomorrow. [/quote]
How's it going @LadyWithTheWine ?

@dinochum We have done some baking and chatting each day and things were better last night. She went to bed on her own, with me hovering around nearby. Thank you

[quote LadyWithTheWine]@dinochum We have done some baking and chatting each day and things were better last night. She went to bed on her own, with me hovering around nearby. Thank you [/quote]
That's amazing!!! Well done you!!! Such a fantastic change and no being "mean" required

Thank you everyone.