I’m so confused how much I’m supposed to play with my 2 year old?
I feel like a goofus but am I supposed to engage my 24 month old and play with her pretty much all day? She screams and intervenes if I try to do things like chores or reading about 95% of the time. I assume I should not give in sometimes but I think I almost always give in. Like if I try to read a book she’ll make whining sounds and try take it from me until either she succeeds in taking it or I put the book down.
If we’re out anywhere that’s supposed to be fun for her she attaches to me. I’ve been told I was the same glued to my mum’s leg. She won’t do things independently at the park for example I have to suggest things to her and walk right along with her to whatever it is. I feel like I have to lead so much play every time. But is that standard?
The amount of play has been burning me out so I’m feeling pretty disengaged after a while but genuinely I’m confused am I supposed to do my reading or chores sometimes while letting her cry till she presumably eventually stops? that just feels like ignoring her needs but is it or is it not giving into a tantrum? I feel so clueless about how to be a good parent in the mundane day to day moments and the parenting books I’ve read haven’t explained that.