Why can't she entertain herself for just 1 day?

[gandalf456]

I have a 13 year old dd and an 8 year old ds.

Every day, dd wants to be busy and out of the house, off on some adventure . Yesterday, a neighbour took her out all day. Monday, she was out with her cousin. Tuesday, we went swimming. Wednesday we were at a park in between hair cuts and the like.

We have also dental appointments, shopping trips for uniform. Ds has been at a holiday club. I have 2 friends wanting to meet up and tbh I just want to hide as i just don't have time and need to pack for our holiday.

Dh has had ahout 4 afternoons off in total. 2 to buy a new car, one for me to work and one where he did his own stuff. I still had the kids.

I am still working approx 22 hrs pw and doing all the chores.

Today she was coming out with these suggestions and rebuffing my local ones. I want to stay locsl as i have work later. Ds just wants to be at a screen 24/7 which doesn't help either as it's impossible keeping everyone happy .

Oh, and dh keeps phoning suggesting things that beed doing

Just wanted to say argh really

If she is 13 can't she go and meet friends or have friends over? Seems quite dependent on you for a 13 year old! Sorry I know thats not much help - just trying to remember what we used to do at 13 and it was a lot of hanging out with mates at their house or in the park, probably not what you want her to be doing!

Sounds like your DH needs to step up and help a bit though.

How about setting her a project that she might enjoy like making you a playlist and then drawing an album cover to go with it? I sound so old haha! God help me when my DD turns 13 I will be back here for advice

What are her friends up to? It seems unusual that she's relying on you for a social life.

I would repeat that mumsnet phrase " I am not your personal entertainment system" . at 13 she should be able to entertain herself , can't she pack her things for holiday or at least get them out etc

I asked her why she hadn't contacted any of her friends. She said she couldn't be 'arsed', which sounds a bit meh but she has had a few problems since secondary school and lost a lot of confidence so it is quite true she has got more dependent on me than she should.

She has got some clothes out so it is a start