My toddler does not play with his toys

April - posted on 03/28/2011

LOL kids play with everything. Even things they aren't supposed to. It's normal for them to be more fascinated with "new" things. My daughter plays with her toys (and she has A LOT) but as soon as i walk in with something in a box, the look on her face is, "Where has this box been all of my life????" LOL, she'll stop what she doing just to play with it. It's perfectly normal. They're exploring. :)

Jennifer - posted on 03/26/2011

Everything is a "toy" to a toddler! And being with you and doing what you do are the most interesting activites of all. My 2 year old has lots of toys but nothing is more fun for him than following his dad and I around the house, "helping" (and I use that term loosely) fold laundry or unload the dishwasher or work in the yard (he loves to water the plants and rake). Don't worry, there's nothing more educational than the education he gets being with you, interacting with you and feeling involved and learning about simple tasks around the house. If you're hoping he'll play for periods of time on his own, try to provide toys that interesting to him. You mention that he likes to make music, does he have some musical instruments? Our son loves trains so we have a train table and lots of trains and tracks and books about trains.

Carrie - posted on 02/21/2011

This is normal, it is just a phase. I have a 9 year old, 7 year old, and now a 2 year old, and the 2 year old would rather play with his siblings toys or watch them on the computer or "help" me in the kitchen or rearrange everything and play music. It is something that all the kids go through, so I wouldn't worry at all.

Serlena - posted on 02/10/2011

Ohh that is so normal my son would rather play in the cabinets or a box. He does play with his cars and trucks though.

Sarah - posted on 02/09/2011

Hello :) I have a 2 year old and a 1 year old, they do this at times too. Have you talked to your pediatrician about this? As long as he is playing with something I wouldn't be too worried about it, if he just sits and stairs then I would be worried. Do you spend a lot of time in the kitchen? If so maybe he just enjoys being near you, and "helping" you cook or put away dishes. If he enjoys "playing music" maybe get him a little drum or piano. Again not a doctor or an expert just throwing out ideas :) My daughters have way too many toys, so to keep them from getting bored with them I will pull everything out of the toy box and put the ones that they have been playing with at the bottom and "new" toys on top, by that point they have forgotten they even had those toys and its different.
Also maybe try not saying anything to him and go over and just start playing with his toys, maybe he will be curious enough to come over and see what mommy is doing and see that you like what ever it is you are playing with. I hope I have helped or even just made you feel a little better :)