Toddlers: 12 - 24 Months

Do you feel like this too?

I feel like I should be playing with DD all.the.time.  I am constantly following her around the house and I rarely give her to DH, so I can get things done.  I guess I am afraid, she won't love me as much if I don't give her my constant attention.  Obvoiusly, I know this is silly!!!  Sometimes I think she finds me annoying!  She is very independent and wants to do things herself, but if I let her do it all, I would feel neglectful.  Does anyone else every feel like this too?

Re: Do you feel like this too?

  • Have you gone crazy yet?? ;)  I couldnt do that, I would go out of my mind.
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  • I think I might be on my way! Embarrassed
  • imagefirst-time-mama:
    Have you gone crazy yet?? ;)  I couldnt do that, I would go out of my mind.


    This. DS has always been great about playing independently and I let him. I do have to keep a very close eye on him because he likes to climb (and jump off of) everything. I don't feel guilty at all about letting him play by himself.
  • I think the key here is to find a balance. I like to break up our day and have some periods where we do things together (go for walks, do crafts, etc) and some where she is allowed to just run around and play independently. This seems to work out well for both me and my very independent DD. Since I work on the weekends and DH doesn't he takes over with DD for the most part. DD honestly seems to look forward to these times. They have their little "things" between them that I think are so cute.

    My advice for you is to start out small. Set aside a section of time each day that is for DD to have independent play. Do an activity that you can stay close by but keeps you busy (like folding laundry). If DD seeks out your attention give it, but otherwise just let her get lost in her own imagination (This is NOT neglectful-it is good for her development). Also make sure that DD and DH get a little quality time. Little girls need their daddies.

  • I've just found the balance with independent and co play. He loves both. I love both ;)
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  • I try to make sure I can see her or know where she is most the time but I am not the "player" H is so I play as much as I can handle but my DD is pretty independent to and doesn't sit still long enough to get into anything yet.  I just make sure I am always talking to her and she knows where I am.  I fold laundry, clean whatever.  
  • Instead of you following her, see if she'll follow you. My LO loves to be involved with what I'm doing, she doen't care what it is: laundry? not boring to her, bring it on! Making the bed? Check, she wants to help! Cooking? Pull up a chair, she's keen to stir something! She even helps me unload the dishwasher (I kid you not) by stacking things, and then I put them away in the cabinets.
    Even though everything takes a little longer with her "help" she is actually becoming helpful, and I find it fun to have her company, and I don't have to worry what she's getting into if she's off playing in the other room while I do chores.
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