Nifer the first thought that comes to my mind is that while the mom might not be physically picking her up she is doing the equivalent such as putting the child in her high chair with some cheerios or whatever while she makes supper or loads/unloads dishwasher. The child is "with" the parent and not expected to "go play". Do you have any success putting her in an exersaucer or playpen with a few toys as in some kids actually do better when they are confined and play perameters are defined for them - here are two toys.