Parents of Schoolgoers  Discussion Forum

My daughter is almosts 8 years old and will not play or do anthing on her own. When I take a shower or go to the bathroom she has to be in there. She goes nuts if she can't be next to me all the time. I don't know what to do. Me and my husband watch T.V. at night and she will sit right next to me. I tell her to go play, and she says she doesn't want to. My husband is her step dad but we have been together since she was 3 and she thinks of him as Daddy. It's like she is competing for my attention when he is home because when he is gone she plays a little bit. The other problem now is that I am trying to get pregenet and I need to get her to do things on her own. She has so many toys but won't play. Pleae Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Venus replied. Your child is feeling emotionally insecure. Get her involved in outdoor activities: like drama, singing, music, or some sports. Keep her day busy, with more friends and activities, she will slowly get over her possessiveness. Introduce her to some other kids her age. Remember also, she is entering the teenage years. When most girls go emotionally haywire. Reward her when she does things independently, but also don't push her. Don't make it obvious that you're trying to change her, she will clam up. Don't feel awkward to give her a warm hug, when she does something good or even before going to bed. At the end of the day before going to bed, ask her how her day was, talk to her like a friend.
Things like being next to you even while bathing is something you should have corrected at the age of 3! It's your fault for prolonging things this long, so don't expect quick results.
Also casually and subtly find out how she feels about her dad, it will give you some insight to how she feels.