Is this ok?

LisaLisa1980 · August 2013

Sometimes I feel bad when I leave my son on the floor to play while I take a " time out." I feel like I need to be right.there with him while he plays, looks around etc. am I neglecting my baby if I just leave him on the mat for 15 mins while I just relax for a bit? How much independent play is ok for them? He's 14 wks

pinottoparenthood · August 2013

As long as he is happy and safe on the floor, and you are close enough to hear him/keep an eye n him, it's totally fine! Actually, independent play is really good for developing little minds. Sometimes my DS will play by himself for 10 or even 20 minutes, lying on the floor with a toy or lying on his kick and play piano mat. He is 3.5ish months.

LisaLisa1980 · August 2013

pinottoparenthood said:
As long as he is happy and safe on the floor, and you are close enough to hear him/keep an eye n him, it's totally fine! Actually, independent play is really good for developing little minds. Sometimes my DS will play by himself for 10 or even 20 minutes, lying on the floor with a toy or lying on his kick and play piano mat. He is 3.5ish months.

Oh ya I'd never leave him unattended. I just feel bad when I'm not talking to him while he plays. I just want to sit and watch/listen to him but I feel like I'm educating him enough if I don't speak all the time

LisaLisa1980 · August 2013

Where's the edit button?? I meant I feel like I'm NOT* educating him if I don't talk to him all the time. Only so many noises and conversations I can have lol

Crequito · August 2013

Independent play is important - and short time outs for mommy are important as well! Sometimes I put DD in her crib so I can watch her on the monitor and I'll go take a breather on our deck or get laundry done. I give her a stuffed toy or a rattle and she's good for a few minutes by herself. She's 4 months today.

CrazyMary77 · August 2013

I can relate. Sometimes I feel guilty that I'm not entertaining LO enough when I just leave her for a bit playing on her own while I do other things. But I don't want to overstimulate her either and get her cranky because that's just not good for any of us!

RibbitGrl930 · August 2013

I think this is totally fine. As long as you're close enough to keep an eye or an ear out, It's fine. Like PP have said, independent play is probably good for him.

amberdanielle68845 · August 2013

If I never let her have independent play time on her play mat or in her pack-n-play with toys I wouldn't get anything done. As long as they are happy and content I don't see a problem at all. As much as I would love to sit and hold DD all evening, every evening it's just not possible. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of cuddle time but the household still needs taken care of in there somewhere. Most times I have her in the bouncy chair in the kitchen so she can still be involved while my SO does his classes and I make dinner.

runningyogimama · August 2013

We do independent play every morning! I put her on her playmat in her room so that I can brush my teeth, make coffee, throw some laundry in, make a couple of bottles, etc. I walk by every couple of mins, can always hear her, and if I need to run downstairs, I'll take her video monitor.

You both need your space and alone time!

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