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Attached 20 mo old

Beth - posted on 03/01/2009 ( 2 moms have responded )

10

5

My 20 mo old daughter REFUSES to play by herself. She has plenty of toys and each morning we get a basket and she puts toys in there to play with for the day- we bring the basket into the living room so she can be near me and as long as i am sitting there watching her she is fine- the minute i get up she is right under my feet crying. I take time during the day to play w/ her- i always make sure we play just as much as i'm cleaning/ doing chores. but i just can't get her to play alone. Even when her sister comes home from school and her dad gets off work she insists on having somebody right beside her all the time. I don't expect her to play by herself all day, i love taking time out to spend w/ her however i feel it's important she knows how to entertain herself. I didn't have this problem w/ my 8 year old- any one have any suggestions?? Thanks!

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2 Comments

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Julie - posted on 03/01/2009

261

13

I don't think there is really any advice I can give you, sorry! As the mother of 4 though I will say that I think a lot of it just really depends on the child. All of mine have had different levels of independence. My oldest was over me at 6 months old lol! Always on the go and busy exploring. My second was kinda in between, my third was another super independent one and my youngest is like a leech :) She is 21 months old and would literally spend all day on my lap if we had the time. I don't think you can really do much differently but keep trying and just try to remember that someday we will wish our kids still wanted to spend so much time with us! It all goes by too fast, so just try and enjoy it!

Anna Marie - posted on 03/01/2009

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17

Unfortunately I don't have any advice for you - my 26 month old ds is very much the same! I just enjoy the few times when he does play solo and other than that remind myself that if he needs me there right now, there must be a reason for it. I truly believe that by responding to his needs at this early stage in his life, I will create a happy, independent youngster down the road. So, no advice, just empathy :) Good luck, and I'll be interested to see what others may have to say!

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