Independent playtime

KCKSarah

Just curious, if you SAH, how much independent playtime does your child have?  You might be in the same room, but working on computer, cleaning or just zoning out for a bit, etc.

OCIrishBruin

I'm a working mom, but I am currently working on increasing this when I am home.  I can usually let DS play alone for 10 minutes or so before he needs more attention.  But I can't really work on the computer because I still feel the need to watch him like a hawk.  He is walking and running now but there are still things he can trip on or bang into.  It works best when we are in his room with the door shut.  I can sit in the rocker and check my email on my phone or just relax and he has a safe place to run around with lots of toys and books.

sherd

I SAH but I also watch a friends daughter who is 3 months older than him. They play often but there is also about 35% of the time that he is playing by himself :-)

Ernie52408

DS actually prefers independent play during the day. Occasionally he'll bring me a toy or come to me and play for 10-15 minutes, but then he walks off and does his own thing again. He doesn't like it though if I'm playing on my phone or computer. He wants me to be sitting on the floor watching him. And this is why I watch way too much TV lately.

In the evenings when he's in "meltdown mood" he needs interaction.

TeacherVicky

Depends on his mood. On a normal day, at least 50-60% of the time he's playing independently. Sometimes more. I just usually go about what I'm doing (cleaning, laundry, cooking) and he's content.

When he's having a crappy day like today, he needs more attention. It's usually not just me sitting and playing with him either - that's not sufficient on those days. He wants to be held and walked around.

magdalina.h

I'm not a SAHM, but we have Lucas play by himself for at least 15-20 minutes every night. I know that my MIL (DCP) gives him independent time during the day too.

butterflynola

I'm really trying to get better at not hovering lol I'm always in the same room with him of course but sometimes I'll sit in the rocker and watch him on his tummy mat playing  for a bit here and there or when he's in his jumperoo I'm right on the floor in front of him but not always interacting with him just letting him play and figure out the toys himself and he seems to like his "me" time

KCKSarah

Thanks for your input ladies.  Lo loves to play on her own most of the time.  Sometimes I feel guilty zoning out for a bit or doing other things.  I know one on one play time for us is very important but just trying to figure out how much is normal and balance that with what works for us.

itsmegin

Not a lot, maybe 30 minutes spaced throughout the day. With DH working from home, my grandma here and my mom who comes over all the time there's always someone playing with her if it isn't me. I keep her right near me all day, if I'm cooking or cleaning in the kitchen she's in her high chair right near me and I talk and sing to her. I use the Bumbo all over the house. The main time she's independently playing is when I'm in the showe and I have her in her RnP in the bathroom. She is better than she used to be but she still gets frustrated and fussy if she's "alone" for more than 10 minutes.

authorofdreamz

DD has a lot of independent playtime. Actually I feel bad because I think she plays on her own more than with me but she likes it more. If I "play" with her she just stares at me doesn't play but if I leave her alone she goes to town with her toys.