Needs constant playmate

ladylisalt · August 2013

DS is 25 mos. old. When we are home together he wants my attention 99% of the time. I try to squeeze in quick housekeeping items but often and summoned to play with him. Of course, I make him wait at times, and explain to him that mommy needs to get some things done. Don't get me wrong, I play with him a ton and wish I could play with him all the time but of course life gets in the way. He gets whiney or pretends he hurt himself if I am not paying attention. I am guessing this is normal and was wondering at about which age they become a little more independent to play by themself for longer periods. I see some kids that seem to entertain themselves better so part of me is thinking my DS is just a little more needy.

sschwege · August 2013

I agree with pp, about getting him involved in whatever you are doing. They love to help at this age. Put a sock on his hand and have him help you dust. Put a step stool next to the sink and have him help with the dishes or cook. Have him put the laundry into the washer and dryer. If you are working on shopping list, give him a clipboard and let him write his own list. Have him help unload the dishwasher by putting the utensil caddy on the floor, this is a good sorting activity because they have to match the spoons with the spoons the forks with the forks, etc. I've found that there isn't much that DD can't help me with. Typically when I have laundry to fold I have DD grab a book and she holds it while I read to her. Good luck, it does get easier!

ladylisalt · August 2013

All great ideas ladies. And yes, I do include him. I kind of hope my post didnt come off as "I am too busy for him" it was more about him not being able to keep himself busy for more than 5 or 10 minutes.

sschwege · August 2013

ladylisalt said:

All great ideas ladies. And yes, I do include him. I kind of hope my post didnt come off as "I am too busy for him" it was more about him not being able to keep himself busy for more than 5 or 10 minutes.

Not at all! They actually say it's good for kids to have some time to play on their own, us adults stifle their creativity

As you said all kids are different DD has always been pretty good about playing by herself when she needs to. But just in the last couple months it seems like her creativity has really taken off and seems to have more purpose to her play, which enables her to play for longer stretches at a time with one thing. So if that kind of gives you more of an idea of when it starts to get easier IMO.

BelhurstBride · August 2013

DD has always been like this and rarely plays independently. And really? DH and I rarely ever to pick to do things alone, nor did we as children. Her personality really just mirrors ours.

olechka · August 2013

My DD is the same way but i only get a few hours with her after work anyway and I don't mind. So i really don't do anything until she goes to bed or my DH plays with her while i do what i need to do.

She'll only be little for a few years and then she won't want to have anything to do with me anymore so housework can't be as important as that for me.

ladylisalt · August 2013

olechka said:

My DD is the same way but i only get a few hours with her after work anyway and I don't mind. So i really don't do anything until she goes to bed or my DH plays with her while i do what i need to do.
She'll only be little for a few years and then she won't want to have anything to do with me anymore so housework can't be as important as that for me.
It's funny because as much as I am asking about this I also think the SAME thing you do as far as them only wanting to play with us for so long.

ladylisalt · August 2013

fredalina said:

My daughter is four and this really hasn't improved. She is a VERY independent kid; she wants to do everything herself without help and has always been that way (and she's pretty capable of doing most things herself). But she does not like to play alone. Starting around 2 and a half or three, she got better about being able to play with toys without someone else. She does play lot with dolls and action figures and players, and can do it alone. But she still prefers to play in the presence of someone else. So now I can cook dinner but she will always be right there in the room, "helping" or just getting in the way lol. I can take a shower but she will be in the bathroom playing. I can read but she will stay in the same room. She WILL give me a few minutes if the tv is on and I explain why I need the space, but she just prefers to be with people. I don't feel like it's an independence issue, but rather an issue of extroversion. Which is tough because DH and I are introverts, but we try to make it work. Also, now that she's done with naps, we do quiet time on weekends and she has to play alone for an hour. I think that helps some.

Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

Needs constant playmate

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