Last night, for the first time in her five year history, IJ allowed me to have a whole hour of uninterrupted peace and quiet while she played on her own in the living room. I wasn't allowed in because she was 'busy'. I could hear her singing to herself occasionally, and at other times she seemed to be having an imaginary conversation with some of her school friends.
She was happy.
It was bliss.
I spent the time catching up on some chores, reading a few blogs (thank you 39 and counting... for my lovely award), reading the Times on line and generally enjoying some me-time.
Perfect.
I was really pleased that IJ was happy to play on her own and was enjoying her own company. The psychologists would say that she is comfortable with herself, and that gives me a good feeling.
As she is the only child of a single parent I often worry about her having no one to play with. She spends a lot of time with various friends, and she is with her classmates all day of course, but at home she only has me for company. I feel dreadfully guilty when she says, "Mummy will you play with me?" Usually I do, but sometimes it just isn't possible, if I'm cooking, paying bills, or taking a shower!
But now she seems to be able to manage without me, at least some of the time. She is growing up and maturing, and it is good for both of us to have our own space.
Reflecting on this, a sense of calm descended.
Then I saw the state of the living room:
Yikes!!
