I feel like I don’t do enough with/for my child (5yrs) he is full time childcare/kinder as I work full time. Leave home at 8am get home around 5pm when I start cooking dinner before husband comes home, during this time he plays in the play room/iPad time. After dinner is a bit more play time (again, solo) while I clean up, bath, book (most nights) and bed. Weekends we do something as a family Saturday, Sunday he has soccer and I clean and we rest.
My question is- how much should I be doing with him? As he is an only child does he need more stimulation? I feel like I don’t do enough with him especially during the week
5 Replies
I know I struggle with parental guilt over everything so I can understand that! They say to spend 15mins a day with your child is enough to fill their cup. And kids need downtime a lot more than what they get, in my opinion. Life is so chaotic but it’s not always healthy. Sounds like you’re doing an amazing job! 🙂
I would Make sure the books at bedtime are priority. Jump in bed spend that 15 mins snuggled up. Then ask about high and low points of the day.
Reading to them really helps when it comes to school.
I also leave clean up til they are in bed. Or I do it while they are in the bath. Involve him in meal prep.
Also once a month surprise them with an school night evening adventure! Organise a picnic at the park or something completely fun. There the times they will remember!
agree with above. I'd just make those books priority.
Whenever I feel like I need to connect with the kids a little more, I just spend more time on bedtime. Last night after I read there book, I laid in an extra 10 minutes chatting and snuggling with them
He's playing all day so his needs are being met. You making his dinner, his bath, tucking him into bed are the primary tasks. If you can spend 15 minutes talking and playing with him before he sleeps that's a nice time to connect.
You could also have him help you prepare some part of dinner, and while he's in the bath or playing or you're cooking, you can use words to play and have fun with him.
To be honest I barely ever play with my kids, I really am just too busy/tired and I dont enjoy it, but they do things with me and I give them my undivided attention in small doses, and I feel that thats enough.
What does hubby do to help? Can you alternate who cleans up each night and the other spend some one on one time with your son. Although if your son is happy playing/entertaining himself while you get jobs done, I wouldn’t worry too much. Definitely ensure you spend 15-30 minutes with him reading and talking about the day at bedtime.