I have 4 children, my eldest being 6, youngest being 2 and it's complete chaos all the time.
With the eldest two, I played with them a lot, as babies and toddlers, did lots of stories and singing, crafts and took them to toddler groups, family centres etc.
Then shortly after having number 3 I became pregnant with my fourth, I had a very difficult pregnancy and although i had always been against TV for children, I resorted to it a lot so I could rest. Then number 4 came along and was a very demanding baby and I felt the eldest 3 were suffering as I didn't have enough quality time with them.
Anyway, now I feel as if it is him (youngest) that is suffering. My eldest has special needs (youngest may ahve too actually - waiting for referral) and I am currently home educating two eldest til I can get a school place. No nursery place is available for my second youngest either.
I feel guilty that I don't play with him enough. Also, after manaaging several hours with him and the others day today and really enjoying it, I also feel sad that I am missing out on the time with him too. I have been told I am loking at a 2 year wait for school places but even if it is just one year, then my youngest will start nursery so I will only half a day to play with him then.
I really would love to be able to spend most
of the day playing with him.
Anyone else feel like this? And how much play with a parent is enough for a child?