Need ideas for DD to self entertain

vlagrl29 · February 2014

In the last couple months all DD wants me to do is play with her and doesn't really like entertaining herself. Maybe I shouldn't complain about this but I'm having a hard time getting things done around the house and business stuff. She is pretty much attached to me all day. I've been trying to let her know I need some time to get my things done and have provided her with activities to do such as play doh. It only holds her attention for a bit and then she is back at me asking me to play. Any ideas? What has worked for you?

kcisthebombdotcom · February 2014

I'm on mobile so i can't see age but assuming she's not a very young toddler a visual timer with the explanation that mommy needs to do x but will be back to play when she hears the beep. Gradually increase the amount of time and get motivating toys she doesn't always have access to during that time.

Spin313 · February 2014

Can you involve her in the cleaning...? For example, put old socks on her hands and let her "dust" or turn on music and do clean up dancing.

Otherwise, maybe Crayola color wonder coloring sheets or an Aquadoodle mat?

vlagrl29 · February 2014

KC_13 said:

I'm on mobile so i can't see age but assuming she's not a very young toddler a visual timer with the explanation that mommy needs to do x but will be back to play when she hears the beep. Gradually increase the amount of time and get motivating toys she doesn't always have access to during that time.

That's a great idea. She will be 3 in March. and we do have an aqua doodle but she wants me to play with her when she gets it out.

SallyAnneS · February 2014

My Ds is almost 3 as well. We go through phases. His sensory bin can usually hold his attention for 30 minutes. Right now it has beans in it. He makes a huge mess but it is easy to sweep up and worth the mess to have a few minutes peace.

vlagrl29 · February 2014

I think I do need to put some toys away so when I bring them out it will be new to her. Thanks for the ideas.

vlagrl29 · February 2014

Excited30 said:

Today what helped me was giving dd a bowl filled with about 2 cups of popcorn kernels, and another bowl and a measuring cup. She spent literally 30 min dumping and pouring and back and forth from container to container... it took me 5 min to clean up. I just insisted that she was only allowed to play with it on the kitchen floor. Totally worth the little mess. She'll be 2 next month.

DD use to do that and it was just wonderful! she likes things that she has to figure out now, more challenging toys.

vlagrl29 · February 2014

Excited30 said:

I hadn't looked at your ticker before posting my response to see your dd's age.. oops.

I bought recently from the local newspaper a news print roll end for $4. It'll be to go on dd's art easel. Do you have access to some big sheets of paper or something like that? What about a sheet of stickers, or pencil crayons or crayons and rolling a big sheet of paper across lineolium somewhere in your house and having dd color or craft a big project? She could glue stick or place stickers or something that couldn't create too much damage with next to little supervision. Or I'd have her clean windows beside me with a cloth, or give her a spray bottle filled with only water to "clean" with to allow her to help you out so to speak.

I do need to get more creative. We have her craft box but I have never thought of letting her make things on the kitchen floor while I'm paying bills or making important phone calls. she is crazy about tucking me in right now. she will get all the blankets out and put them all on me and tuck all her stuffed animals in with me. it's pretty funny.

superToots · February 2014

My ds1 is 3 in April and can be the same way!

We do window markers on the sliding glass door.
Build towers with legos.
Stickers and an old notebook.
He "helps" me cook.
Those dot markers old people use to play bingo.
Build a fort out of blankets and pillows.
He loves to help vacuum, and take apart and re attach all the parts to my dyson.
Give him envelopes, paper and crayons and he makes mail for daddy.
Melissa and Doug anything. (Specifically lacing cards and these fun books you paint with water.
And naked finger painting in the bathtub.

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Need ideas for DD to self entertain

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