S/O: Is She Bored

Ago

I'm surprised now at reading all of these posts of kids who play independently.  My DD almost never plays independently, but she does a good job of removing herself to her room when she is mad and inevitably plays a bit while she does that.  But if DH or I aren't playing with her or don't have her tagging along with us around the house, she is begging to have a friend come over.  She will watch TV a bit by herself (when we are getting ready in the morning) or play her LeapPad by herself, but everything else includes us, including coloring.  Any tips for encouraging some independent play/time?

Ago

Sorry, I should post that she will be 4 in March.

MrsCodeMonkey

It might just be a personality thing. My DD likes to play with me nearby and constantly engages me in play.

I'm trying to let her get bored a bit more often. The house is full of toys, so she figures out something to play with.

KatieB19

I agree it might be personality. DS is 3. He is just starting to enjoy playing with other kids, but it has to be on his terms -- meaning, no instant friendships are happening; he needs time to feel the other kid out. He obviously likes when dh or I play with him, but he's content to occupy himself for long stretches. I was the same way as a kid. Liked to play alone, really shy and slow to warm up... introverted. Sounds like your LO is extroverted

Could you maybe get her to do activities independently, but nearby? Like coloring at the kitchen table while you're cooking dinner, or playing house/building blocks/whatever while you're folding clothes... Maybe when she's older she'll discover novels and get lost in a book for a while. It sounds like you won't have to worry about her making friends once school starts. I get nervous for my little guy sometimes.

kristennd

I've always read that it just depends on the kid. LO has always been happy to play independently but we didn't do anything to encourage it. He hasn't had much exposure to other kids yet though. No daycare or regular playdates.

Tink112011

Sounds like an extrovert to me too!  My DS is just like your DD. 

Ago

These are great ideas, thanks!  I may try the introducing new toys.  This has been a challenge for us because she is definitely extroverted and my husband and I are definitely introverted, so it is hard to get that downtime we need to get back in the game with her.  It is one reason my husband is done with having kids.

this decaf life

One reason I'm not so worried about having another LO is DD's amazing job playing by herself. Even when she has "friends" over or around she usually just walks off by herself. She'll play with a leaf for an hour... she'll play with her kitchen for even longer than that alone. 

DD is still pretty young so I guess it might change but she loves her kitchen & workstation.