How can I get some time to myself??

Question

I'm staying with a family abroad, as an au pair, although i'm not getting paid. Anyway, the girl I'm looking after is almost 5 and is very demanding and time consuming. As she has no siblings, she looks to me for attention every second of the day whilst her parents are at work - from about 8:30 till 6:30. However, I really need some time to myself and she just won't allow it - except from her 'nap' in the afternoon. How can I encourage her to enjoy her own company?? I know that it is difficult for her because she has a new 'friend' now and is an only child... however, I feel stressed without any time to even think! Also, it's really difficult because she speaks French and I speak English - and although I can also speak French fairly well, she speaks very quicky and it's sometimes hard to understand her. Any advice? Thanks, I really need it.

Answer 1

Write down a schedule and post it where she can see it. You can make it big like a poster and decorate it.

Schedule time for play, read or sing together, and inlcude "rest time", even if is for short periods. Include meal time and play outdoors time. That will help BOTH of you to get a routine and to have time alone and time to do acivities or even watch an educational TV show together. You can vary the schedule a little bit from day to day. One day you guys can read, but the next day you'll draw or things like that. It would be good to set rest time after an activity that will get her tired like playing outdoors.

Maybe you can get ideas from a preschool, they always follow a schedule.

Answer 2

Well, you have her nap time and after the parents come home.  You really should me spending the rest of your time with her.  You could suggest she colors while you read.  Or you can include her in things you want to do....for example go on the computer and play a video game together, teach her a card game, go shopping...

Answer 3

Just go home.

Or give her some crafts. i don't know.