how much time do you spend playing with your child?

Desiree - posted on 03/26/2010

We have an hour and a half of family time where we play games or read or play with toys. Either inside or out.

Michelle - posted on 03/18/2010

ok this may not be the best for you, but i thank GOD every day I have 6 kids my third son is autistic, so he has lots of play time weather he likes it or not. his brothers are always pushing him to play.I do his teaching skills thru out the day, like Tanisha does. But do make time for yourself, otherwise you'll get burnt out, is respite care and option for you? We have respite come into our home for 3 hours on Sunday. and 2 hours on Wed. nite, so we can spend time out with our other kids doing something they like, but Nick wouldn't .

Tanisha - posted on 03/17/2010

It varies from day to day. I find, going to park or to the grocery store, etc. provides "opportunities" for us to interact. I try to keep a running dialogue going no matter what the activity is or where we are. There are also days that we sit down and do DTT discrete trial training. There is a wonderful book, "Raindrops on Roman," that gives very good examples of what to try. I try not to beat myself up about the amount of time each day, because some days are better than others. I just do the very best that I can and pray about the rest.

Julie - posted on 03/16/2010

I understand how you feel. My son is 4 and has PDD-NOS. I have always felt guilty for not playing with him more. The hardest thing is getting my son to interact and play with me. He doesn't like to color, do puzzles, read books, play games or anything like that. He does like it when I tickle him and "eat" his belly, so I try to spend 10-15 minutes a day doing that. He also likes computer games, so I'll sit with him while he plays and try to encourage him.

You definately need to make time for yourself so you can be a better mom for your kids. It might help to set a specific amount of time (maybe 15 min.) that you can just relax and read a magazine or do whatever, and when that time is up then you do a fun activity with your child. That way you won't feel guilty about taking time for yourself if you know you will be doing something with you child after.

I hope this is helpful. You are definately not alone!

Patrice - posted on 03/14/2010

Yes. I have a 7 year old boy and he is the only child. I am also raising my Son on my own. He has to constantly have my attention. I never get time alone. I try to play with him, read, or do what his heart desires. I have therapy out to the house and we have a schedule to obey by and it includes 2 hours of family time a day. We can play board games, color, ride bikes, play basketball. I still have a hard time fitting in the two hours. I understand the ME TIME.

Abby - posted on 03/14/2010

Yes, I am pretty sure we all feel like this. I have two in college and two in middle school with special needs. I recall that the last time I really had to "play" was when the First Steps therapists came over. I work full time and I am on call and have been raising them as a single parent for years. I know a couple that was organized enough to get a group of volunteers to help them. That might be an option if you are at home.