Struggling with my 11mo old

[jenniferalisonphillipasue]

My 11 month old dd is into everything. She is the youngest of 4 and I am finding the juggling really hard. She is the only one at home for a few days a week and I find when the others get back I want to be able to spend time with them but she just won't let me. She is not interested in any activity that involves sitting. We tried to do play doh today but she just climbs all over me so I can never actually interact with anyone elSe properly. I am starting to feel really trapped by her which makes me snappy which then makes me feel crap. The moment I put her down she heads for the cupboards or the stairs. If those are removed she'll find something equally dangerous to climb/get into. I never play with her - she won't stay put for more than a minute. I feel really sad that A. I never really interact with her and B. She doesn't let me interact with anyone else either.
Does anyone have any coping strategies for me before I lose the plot?
Thanks

How about putting her in her high chair when the others come in for 5 minutes at first then increase it gradually until she can manage a reasonable time for you to interact with the other children. Give her a special toy at this time, a favourite reserved only for at this time of day. Put her highchair by the window and let her watch out? Crayons and paper to draw?

If she's really active and into everything, have you tried her with a toy with wheels that she can just push around the house? DS is 11mo is also a little monkey into everything and very hard work. One of the few things that seems to keep him happy for 5-10 minutes is pushing a big toy car round the house.

Could you make her a safe climbing place? Block off the dangerous cupboards and stairs but let her empty the pan/tin/plastic container cupboards.

My ds is 10 months, he is obsessed with climbing and pushing things. I have some low level objects for him toclimb on and a push along toy, those keep him entertained for a short time.

Play dough is very ambitious, my ds would just eat it!

Thanks for your suggestions. It helped alleviate the frustration by just writing it down. She climbs out (or would if I let her) of her highchair so unfortunately that is not an option. We have recently moved house so we haven't baby proofed the house yet so I think that will make life easier and is high on the priority list. My middle two dc's were pretty chilled out and not really danger monkeys like her so I think I have forgotten how hard it can be. She loves toys with wheels so I think I will keep them on hand! Thanks again

if she's climbing all over you and wants you to play with her, she's craving your attention.

give her it. do what she wants, if she wants to play horses and roll around; indulge her, be silly, fulfil her needs.

when i ignore ds (2) he wants my attention more. if i play with him say for 30mins/1hr then he's happy to play alone/watch dvd after as he's happy he has had the attention.

i would try that and i bet things change! when you've had enough, just say 'mummy did your puzzle/played horses, now she has to go and make dinner. you've been such a good girl so have a nice rest now/play with your toys' give her a drink and a snack and i net she'll leave you alone for a bit!

also, you could ask one of the other children to play with her for a while when they come in and you chat to the other one, then swap round.

it will pass - it's just about meeting their needs - she won't be climbing over you forever and then you'll wish she was!