Comments on: Stop Entertaining Your Toddler (And Free Their Play)

By: Maha

Maha — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 02:53:41 +0000

“Independent play” I totally understand and agree with the idea. But the question is where does it begin and end, between building a secure attachment, and raising autonomy and creativity in the child. Moreover, would this idea still be as true in the case of an only child?

By: Nancy Jeffrey

Nancy Jeffrey — Sat, 24 Sep 2022 21:33:02 +0000

In a few words, give them tools and then let them be free to be themselves.

By: Amelia

Amelia — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 11:32:33 +0000

In reply to Danielle.

Oh my goodness this is my predicament! Not safe to leave my 3 year old with his 1 years old brother. I have to be in arms distance at all times which means it’s impossible to do anything I need to do. One year old is getting increasingly frustrated at being dragged away from what he’s engaged in to be near me while I do washing, tidy etc as I can’t trust the older one with him. My oldest will do lovely independent play whilst his brother is napping but won’t play alone if his brother is awake and I am man marking him for his safety.

I also find so many parenting advisors pay little attention to the challenges of two, especially where children can be too rough with younger siblings.

By: Lele

Lele — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 09:32:35 +0000

In reply to mike. THIS is something I would write. For me it’s more about letting go of my guilt of not being s good enough mother when I’m not entertaining my kid at all times but the process is the same: awareness and conscious restraint. It’s done wonders for us: I am more relaxed and less exhausted by the constant need to put on a show, my kid happily plays on her own for long stretches. How wonderful.

By: Marian

Marian — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 21:38:45 +0000

In reply to Marian. Oops, forgot to mention above that he is 5.5

By: Marian

Marian — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 21:38:06 +0000

Oh dear. Our son (single child) can play alone for some time – if outside and building or large muscular activity but seems to ALWAYS be asking for us to play with him and will never play on his own in his room / with a toy. Ever. Is there any way, at this point to foster more of it. We have all been doting and available for his whole life. (we both work but have a nanny) Thanks!

By: Hinar

Hinar — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 18:24:23 +0000

Ah! Good to hear I am not alone. I am in exactly same situation and your words are so true!

By: Kelly

Kelly — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 03:27:00 +0000

In reply to Nadine. Hi! What are you supposed to say instead of “I just need to do the laundry”? Thank you!

By: Nancy

Nancy — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 17:51:32 +0000

My daughter has a 2.5 year old boy and a 4.5 year old boy. The little one plays perfectly on his own but the damage has already been done with the older one! He can’t be or play alone. When the little one is napping, she has to entertain! How can she reverse this?

By: EMILY

EMILY — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 21:52:45 +0000

In reply to Laura Grace Weldon. i love