Drifting apart

[3js]

I know that Children have to grow up but my ds, 6, seems to just want to be on his own. Not in a bad way, just to grow up I think. But I feel rejected, Or worried that I should be trying to draw him in more. I'm not sure if he is wanting to be left alone for real or not. Usually if he has something to say he comes and tells me, am I over reacting?

[JoyLynn]

I think he's at a good age for a little personal alone time, but not too much. He's a long way from being a teenager. I'd keep drawing him into conversation and finding activities he can do with or near you. Are you mostly noticing that his attention span has become longer? This may not be as much about him pulling away as it is about him being able to entertain himself for longer periods of time as he becomes older and more focused. I'd keep on nurturing that relationship while you still have an 'in' with him.

My kids are 7, 10, 12, and 14. I make it a point to make eye contact with them and stop what I'm doing when they're talking to me, and I work hard to stay connected with them. Sometimes I can feel in my spirit that one is slipping through my fingers and hasn't made a real connection with me that day. When this happens, I do go out of my way to pull them closer and let them know they're important to me and that I'm interested in what they're up to. These years are flying by way too quicky for me. Pretty soon I'll probably have trouble keeping them home.



Joy

[stephwhiz]

My dd is almost 6 now and is wanting more personal time everyday it seems. I sneak and peek at her and usually she is just playing with her dolls and playing house. I think it's very healthy for children to learn to entertain themselves sometimes. Of course today she wanted just me and her to go out to eat so we did and had some nice "girl chat" . We also get on the computer together and go to kid sites and/or read books or play together some. I think each child needs their own time, parent time, friend time, and sibling time to make them well rounded.

It sounds like you're a great mom! Keep up the good work .