3 Creative Ways Kids Ask for More Time with You
There’s a funny thing about kids and time. They don’t always say, “I want to be with you.” But they do say it, in ways you might not expect.
Sometimes they act out. Sometimes they linger in the doorway. Sometimes they ask you to play a game you’ve played ten times already.
And all of it means one thing: They’re asking for more of you.
Let’s explore 3 surprising ways kids ask for more time, so you can catch those moments before they pass you by.
1. The Silly Delay Tactic
Your child suddenly needs water, a bathroom break, or to show you their newest dance move, right when it’s time to do something else. Sound familiar?
It might look like stalling, but it’s often a quiet plea: “Can we stretch this moment just a little longer?”
What to do: Instead of rushing them along, try giving just one more minute. A quick snuggle, a giggle, or a silly face exchange before bedtime can help fill their connection cup.
2. “Accidental” Interruptions
Whether you’re on a work call or folding laundry, you might hear:
- “Can you help me find my socks?”
- “Watch me do this!”
- “Oops, I spilled something.”
These aren’t always true emergencies. Often, they’re creative ways to bring your attention back.
What to do: When possible, pause. Make eye contact. Acknowledge the interruption kindly, even a 10-second warm response shows them they’re still on your radar.
3. Repeating the Same Request Over and Over
They want the same story. Again. And again. And again. Or maybe they ask for a snack, a game, or help tying shoes, things they’ve done before.
This repetition isn’t just habit. It’s often a child’s way of recreating a moment where they felt seen.
What to do: Next time your child asks for the same story or repeats a familiar request, pause and lean into it. See these moments as invitations, a chance to reconnect and show them they’re truly heard. By embracing this ritual, you’re giving them the comfort and attention they’re seeking, turning repetition into a bridge for deeper connection.
Why Recognizing These Requests Matters
When kids feel emotionally full, they behave better, sleep easier, and feel safer. Missing their cues doesn’t make you a bad parent, it just means some signals are quieter than others.
The good news? You don’t need hours of uninterrupted play. Small, frequent moments of true presence go a long way.
One Book That Gets It Just Right
In I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus, Erin Shular captures this tug-of-war between busyness and connection with gentle humor and heart. Through imaginative storytelling and vibrant illustrations, children feel seen, and so do parents. It’s the perfect book for bedtime or anytime your child needs reassurance that love is still there, even when life is full.
Ending Note
Next time your child “acts out,” repeats a question, or stalls at bedtime, try to hear the message beneath the moment:
“I still need you.”
When you slow down, even briefly, you’re teaching your child they matter. And those small responses? They create big, lasting security.
Because when kids ask for more time, they’re not just looking for minutes, they’re looking for you.
Order your copy here and make it a part of your special time together.