Growing Up!

I think you'll find most grandchildren don't want to be organised, let them chill and do their own thing, they'll soon ask if they want you to do something with them, or take them somewhere

They are moving towards puberty and being teenagers. This kind of behaviour goes with the territory.

Even the attraction of a dog palls at this age.

It’s called ‘growing up’.

Plus by the time they are the age the OP quotes, they are moving on from primary to secondary school. And the GP’s just aren’t quite so interesting as they were when the children were younger.

A bit sad, but part of life.

When I came home from work I craved a bit of ‘me time’. I’m an introverted extrovert and after a full day of performance, interaction and general availability I had often had enough.

The life stage the family was at sometimes made this impossible, but I would never knowingly deny others the chance to ‘decompress’ if they need it.

I think that adults have to be there (with all that that entails) for children, not the other way round. I love board games but my children most emphatically do not😂. They humour me at Christmas but otherwise I’m on my own.

Our ten year old just wants to chill after school either with tv or a game he plays alone. He’s had enough of interacting with people. After his tea he becomes more sociable. I can understand the need for his own space being created in this way. He’s not bored, just managing the day.

I would let them watch tv or use their phones, it is what they want to do and need some time just to do what they want after a day at school.

I was recently staying with a friend. Her two GDs came back from school and just went to sit in the lounge- their GPs left them to just chill out. They were waiting to go off to dancing class.
I spoke to them for a few minutes and they seemed keen to chat but there were no activities. They didn't seem bored either. I think it is important to have down time too- teaching kids how to chill out and relax is just as important than having do things all the time.

Personally I’d sit down and watch tv with them. All kinds of conversation comes up.

Or subscribe to an online games site like Boardgame Arena and play together on your phones. Why that is better than an actual board game I don’t know, but it is 🤔

Or just leave them to chill out so that they are happy and relaxed at your house.