Sometimes we locate problems in our children that are rooted elsewhere. Try to work out what you’re worried about, and learn how to enjoy downtime with her
My daughter, who is near end-of-primary-school age, won’t leave the house at weekends, unless meeting up with a friend, or to go a party. This means family days out or walks never happen. I have become good at arranging meet ups with other families which she goes on without complaint and plays really well with the other children, not wanting to go home at the end.
The issue is we can’t do this every weekend. People have their own things on. On these days, we play a little in the house, board games or dress up etc, but by lunch she says she is bored and all she really wants is screen time. She neither wants to go out or can find interesting things to do at home. She is an only child, my husband struggles to play with her and meet her at her level or find things to do with her; so it is either me or the TV/phone.
About Author
More Stories
I see my wife once a year. Can I question her on her love life?
Friendship, fitness and freedom: why LGBTQ+ Australians are turning to sports clubs to find ‘queer joy’
My partner and I argue constantly – and she puts all the blame on me | Ask Annalisa Barbieri