School holidays shouldn’t be this much work?

[Libertyfree]

DD at private school so broke up a few days ago.
I’m fed up already. It’s exhausting trying to arrange meet ups with anyone. She’s incapable of doing any organising herself. Can’t concentrate on anything craft/reading related for more than 10 mins (probably touch of ADHD). Only thing that keeps her occupied is tik tok or tv.
I’m Working from home at moment but struggling to do my work and keep DD entertained.
Any wisdom out there?

When I was 11 I was out with my friends all day in the countryside in the summer holidays.

We lived quite rurally then and we used to be out from 9 - 6. We'd come home for lunch and that's it.

We would bike ride (my Dad's rule was only go as far as you can come back by 6pm for dinner) do den building, climb trees, make dams, the usual things you enjoy at that age (or any age actually).

I have/had the same issue with my son (only child/single mum needing to work luckily from home) I arranged a swim course for in the mornings but with the weather it was a washout. Some friends were over but it was mainly left to me to arrange these 'play-dates.' We took the dog for a walk and i made sure to take a decent lunch break together with him. But he'd happily sit and play playstation with his friends than be out and about with them. I think given how chaotic this year has been don't be too hard on yourself with letting her enjoy the holidays how she wants too. Surely 'play-dates' will start to pick up as the holidays get underway and holiday clubs start/end. Next year I will find a camp for my son where he is away for a week perhaps even two. He's not a fan of going places alone but he'll just have to suck it up and make the most of the experience.
Love @BaronessOfTheNorth's post. I wish kids weren't so glued to screens these days. I was always out playing when i was little whenever the weather was warm/light in the evenings too. Nowadays kids prefer to sit an play playstation 'together' from across the street!

At age 11 there is lots she can do by herself.

If she is into TikTok why not encourage her to come up with a good idea for a video herself, which she can share with friends (via more secure social media obvs).

Trying out make-up, fashion, altering clothes you're not too fussed about seeing ruined, learn a song if she can sing/ play music, making a collage of things she likes/ likes to do/ a bucket list.

Good old-fashioned bribery with clear time limits, allowing her to earn pocket money for out-of-routine chores (mine currently likes mowing the grass). Asking her to make you both lunch/ help with dinner.

But then, when you have finished work (and this is where most fall down) also actively spending time with her.

It doesn't have to be big/ fancy stuff all the time.

Last night we all went out at 9pm for a game of football! DD loved it. It's wee things like that which seem minor but actually, 11 is still quite young really, and they love the attention and doing something a wee bit different.

@TheLovelinessOfDemons

DS2 is nearly 10 and also has ADHD. He manages to entertain himself as long as we're in the same room.

@TheLovelinessOfDemons What sort of things will he do? I really struggle with this. Well, my DS does

@Etherel you make a great point because after the walks with our dog i thought my son was happy but he did in fact want some ‘play’ time with
me too. And kids really know when you’re with them but your mind is elsewhere… tricky! Love the point about chores and pocket money. I tried doing a point system with my son and his nephew (4) when we were at my parents and they got straight to work, helped around the house, got their shared room tidy, took the dog on a walk together and before long they were asking how they could help EVEN more. The end goal was to reach 20points each to get a gift of their choice (within a set price range) at the end of the holidays. And they could only get their individual gifts if both have 20 points and manage to keep them as well. I’m keeping this point system going… 🤩

Cinema with a friend?