How much...

[yawningmonster]

is enough? If you do an outing for your lo what do you do when you get home?, do you feel that little bits of time throughout the day is enough while you sometimes have time to sit down or do housework as well. I wonder sometimes if I am a bit of a lazy mum, there are times when I just don't have the energy to "do things" and will snuggle on the sofa, read stories or just watch and talk to him while he plays. It is especially hard if he is being demanding and wants lots of attention. I do try to make sure he has at least one thing each day a walk, an craft or art activity, playing one on one in a hut or with the balls, train set etc but then I feel I need time too. How do you balance your days?

Im a firm believer in Independant Play.

Of course I play with the girls, interact with them while they play etc, but they need to know how to play alone too.

I probably spend more time throughout the day doing little jobs around the house with their "help" (hand them a baby wipe and ask them to clean - works wonders) and I make sure no matter what I am doing, I will still answer them if they talk to me, and I will engage them to ask what they are doing.

But, I do believe in 30 mins on your own a day. It doesnt always happen in my house, but usually for 30 mins when DH gets home from work - I take myself upstairs and read a book/magazine or just lay on the bed and rest.

HTH

Also a firm believer in independent play - children grow up to be more creative, imaginative and self-sufficient if they are encouraged to play on their own. I also think, based on experience and observations, it increases their sense of security - they don't "need" others all the time (a great lesson for lonely times in adulthood!). If he's happy doing it, then don't feel guilty - catch up on some you time (help preserve your sanity!); if he's not, encourage him and it will soon come.