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Dd does not stop talking

3 replies

honeyb3 · 16/01/2026 18:24

I love my dd3 to bits. She is such a little character, very funny, mostly well behaved although we do get plenty of typical tantrums and tears too. But my god she is FULL on. From the moment she wakes up til the moment she falls asleep she doesn’t stop talking. She wants to be around me or talking to me constantly. If I pop out of the room to put some washing on she’ll follow me. If we are in the car she will relentlessly chatter.

It’s got to the point where I will sometimes just zone out at the mummy mummy mummy’s which makes me feel guilty but I genuinely cannot respond to every single thing she says!

She goes to nursery 3 days a week while I work and I do enjoy our days off together but I just crave a bit of silence and me time occasionally. Dh is ok but she always wants me because he’s at work and she spends most of her time with me.

How can I encourage her to just play alone for a little while? Just so I can get stuff done!

OP posts:
hoarahloux · 16/01/2026 18:30

Start very small! "I'm going to do X now, can you play for 2 minutes until I come back please?" and leave for 2 minutes. Ramp up sloooooowly. Keep your word - if you say 2 minutes, 10 minutes, etc, come back in that time.

Give her little tasks to occupy her while you're away from her. Or ask her to make/draw something for when you get back.

Is she okay at nursery? Does she separate from you okay?

honeyb3 · 16/01/2026 18:35

hoarahloux · 16/01/2026 18:30

Start very small! "I'm going to do X now, can you play for 2 minutes until I come back please?" and leave for 2 minutes. Ramp up sloooooowly. Keep your word - if you say 2 minutes, 10 minutes, etc, come back in that time.

Give her little tasks to occupy her while you're away from her. Or ask her to make/draw something for when you get back.

Is she okay at nursery? Does she separate from you okay?

Yes absolutely fine. And I know I shouldn’t complain because she’s just being a child at the end of the day and it’s good that she communicates so well. She isn’t doing anything wrong I just feel a bit drained. I am 100% the default parent and I expect it given I only work part time but I just wish I had a bit more solo time to get stuff done.

OP posts:
safetyfreak · 16/01/2026 18:45

My 4-year-old DD is also very social, and she loves nothing more than playing with other kids or with me!!

She asks me to play with her throughout the day, but she is starting to get better at playing alone for short periods. So, there is hope!

I do put the TV on when I need a break, otherwise I get nothing done.

Keep encouraging independent play, even if your sat right by her.

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