Difficulty spending time with my child at home

[Star1983]

I have a lovely 8 year old daughter who is my world. Myself & my daughter’s father are long since separated but have a good relationship & she sees him regularly. I would have dearly loved another child but sadly I am unable to for medical reasons. I’ve (mostly) made my peace with this but I feel terrible for my daughter.
The reason for this post is that I’m sad to say that I find it incredibly difficult to spend time at home with my daughter. I think I have always overcompensated for her lack of sibling by ‘creating’ lots of entertainment in the form of play dates, movie nights, baking, crafts etc. as a result my daughter hasn’t been left to her own devices & seems incapable of playing independently. Even 2 or 3 hours in the house seems torturous as she follows me around, asking what she can do next & if friends can come over. Occasionally she will read for 10 mins or so but generally wants me by her side all of the time. It only really stops if I allow her a screen which isn’t what I always want to resort to.
She’s a loving, well adjusted & sociable child & I’m so grateful to have her but honestly I feel drained when spending time with her in our home. Any advice gratefully received.

No advice but just to try to make you feel better about your situation (lack of sibling) I have two girls (9 and 7) and they both do this too! Both would rather follow me around than play with each other. Could have written your post, just times two. Solidarity.

Thanks! Exhausting isn’t it! I love her & want to spend time with her, but it’d be nice if it didn’t always feel like a hostage situation!!x

Hmm.. I would set her to work (dusting, sweeping, clothes folding). She'll soon think of something better to do and if not, at least it's useful

Can't you just involve her in whatever you're doing? I find my children suddenly are able to entertain themselves to avoid getting roped in to helping with chores!