They only want me when I'm not available

[Selfishbitch123]

I have two children, aged 5 and 8. I enjoy playing the piano which I can do at home but it requires total attention.

The children are often quite independent. They play together well and do little projects together. But I can't do my hobby because as it seems that as soon as they see me busy they need me. Today I made myself available for literally hours, just sitting around and scrolling on my phone so it would have been fine to interrupt me. I hate scrolling, I get bored and irritated, so I went to play the piano. Que them both literally grabbing my arms because they needed me so much.

So I stopped playing to spend time with them and now they've gone outside and didn't even hear me when I stood next to them and offered them a drink. I'm sure if I go back to the piano they will want me again.

I know it's psychological to want what you can't have but it drives me mad. I've tried forewarning them that I'm going to be busy but it makes no odds, and I end up snapping at them and they say that I love the piano more than them.

So what do I do?

It's the same when I'm doing the housework. If I'm just working quietly they leave me to it, but if I put on an audio book to pass the time they come and talk to me straightaway.

Don't you find all kids are like that, usually when you're having a chat on the phone? So infuriating! Idk what you can do about it though. Maybe offer to teach them?

Set them up with an activity. Set a timer. Tell them not to disturb you until it goes off except in case of serious injury. Promise a game / attention when it goes off.
If they interrupt reset the timer for the whole original time.

Start with eg 10mins. Gradually increase time to eg 30mins or longer.

@TeenDivided that's a good idea. Thanks. I'm going to give it a go during the hols!

@Dillydollydingdong aren't they just! And even my husband, he always wants a hug just as I'm dishing up dinner and rushing round like a mad thing