Ask:
I play with my 20 mo. old a lot, but sometimes I am kind of tired and just let him play on h is own in the room while I am watching TV or .....on the computer. I feel quilty for doing this sometimes.
I was just wondering what your opinions were regarding play time with your toddler? Do you give them your undivided attention 100% of the time they are awake or less? I was just curious!
I guess my guilt comes from the fact that I am a SAHM and this is my "job".
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I would say that I am doing something with the kids 55% of the time most days. I also have 2 at home though, so they do play together a lot. There are some days we do quite a bit more ALL DAY...and there are others that we do less together. It all evens out the way that I see it, and IMO they do need some time to develop independent play.
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I have my 2 older ones that play together while I handle the baby or do things around the house. They play wonderfully alone or with each other. We do play, read, work on our curriculum, do art activites, etc alot though. I think if you give them attention for a few hours in the morning they play better by themselves in the afternoon while you get things done. We don't watch tv during the day and I only get on the computer if they are napping or if daddy's home. They do need some down time for their imaginations but they need to be stimulated as well. I'm sure you will find a good balance!
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I have to be honest and say not nearly enough. I am obsessive over the housework and even when I am playing with the kids I am thinking about all that needs to be done. It is hard for me to sit still and play I have to force myself. I am working on it, but it is something I honestly struggle with every day.
Answer:
Originally Posted by mommy&wifeisme
I have to be honest and say not nearly enough. I am obsessive over the housework and even when I am playing with the kids I am thinking about all that needs to be done. It is hard for me to sit still and play I have to force myself. I am working on it, but it is something I honestly struggle with every day.
I'm the same way. It is really difficult for me to get down on my kids level and play with them. They both play well independently though and are also learning to play together. I'm still searching for the middle ground where I can accomplish what I need to during the day and still feel like I'm giving my kids the attention they need and deserve...with no guilt either way.
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I have 3 kids, 2 at home and 1 in school, so I now am not the only plaything around. We play and do a few crafts and art things, but I have tried very hard not to be their "entertainer" ya know? I encourage the kids to play together in their rooms or on the family room floor.. My older 2 love puzzles and we have simple ones (under 100 pieces) they do on their own and more involved ones we do together. I don't think I should have to entertain them all the time and it has been my experience that if I give them room they get very creative and I want to encourage that.
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Please don't feel guilty for letting your little one play alone. That's an important developmental skill.
When DD was younger she shadowed me while I did my household chores - laundry, making the beds, cooking, etc. Everything took a little bit longer because she 'helped'. You know how it is. We played all sorts of games to keep her occupied while in the car or the grocery cart, too.
I would try to reserve a bit of time in the morning and a bit of time in the afternoon to do a one-on-one activity with DD. One play session was pure play (remember, they aren't too much into imagination at this age so play is more teaching them HOW to play) and the other was more developmental play - flash cards, learning colors, etc. I also made a point to read to DD everyday.
We also went to playgroups and a planned activity like Gymboree. With all that, and naps, too, our day was full.
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When my kids were littler I did play with them probably more than average - I am a baby freak but even then it was definitely not 100% of their waking hours. Like someone else said, playing independently is a developmental skill. A lot of times I would talk to them while they played and I did other stuff. I would talk about what I was doing and comment on what they were doing. I think as long as you are communicating with them and connecting with them, you don't have to be on the floor with them ALL day. Also don't forget the games you play while you are feeding , bathing, and dressing them...you are probably playing more than you think!
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Originally Posted by littlelizard
Also don't forget the games you play while you are feeding , bathing, and dressing them...you are probably playing more than you think!
Your so right!
Thanks for all the tips girls!
Answer:
Originally Posted by littlelizard
Like someone else said, playing independently is a developmental skill. A lot of times I would talk to them while they played and I did other stuff. I would talk about what I was doing and comment on what they were doing. I think as long as you are communicating with them and connecting with them, you don't have to be on the floor with them ALL day. Also don't forget the games you play while you are feeding , bathing, and dressing them...you are probably playing more than you think!
I could not have said it better myself. I agree 100%.