Demanding child and exhaustion

[Kanolie]

Just that really. I have a lovely but demanding 8 year old DD who seems to be requiring my attention more and more. I'm a LP working full time & realised the last few months I've been so tired. Each evening feels like a huge chore and by 9pm I'm exhausted. DD is very well behaved and so good, she just talks constantly, asks me so many questions and wants me to help with any task that she does. If I say not now or later she'll say something like 'But we never have time for anything' or 'you always say that' or 'okaaaay then' in a sad voice. I've been feeling quilty as a result but also fed up because I do spend so much time with her, never get a proper moment to myself till she is in bed. DD used to be very good playing alone and she will for a few minutes but then be back asking me something else. As a LP how do you ever get any alone/quiet time?

I’m a lone parent to 4 and would like to know the answer as well...By the time my kids are in bed I’m falling asleep myself, My kids don’t have contact with their father so I’m literally with them every single day, it’s exhausting.

Get them to bed really early and pretend you are going to sleep also. Once they are asleep, you have a bit of time for yourself.

I think that something has to give OP! can you cut down on work a little? Or find a more flexible job? Sorry I know this may not be the most helpful of answers but sometimes reconsidering our life work balance can help. If that's not an option, then at least it is now Xmas hols, maybe the rest will help. also are you getting her to help with things around the house? "If you help me with XX tidying, we can have half an hour together at XX". That's a good way of negotiating.

Oh another good one - computer games!!

Same here! My DD is also 8 & demanding!

We have only been separated a few months & also moved out in to a flat as part of that process, so she's needed a lot more assurance.

I also have a 13 year old & work almost full-time in the NHS.; work is crazy too.

My 13-year old isn't in bed until 10ish & I am up at 7am, so I get very little sanity time.

My EOW weekends when they go to their dad - are totally sacrosanct as me-time. This weekend I have not made plans to see anyone as I've been feeling so overwhelmed.