thread: Encouraging Independent Play

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    NSW Mid North Coast
    681

    Encouraging Independent Play

    Bub number 2 is due any day now and i'm really trying to find that balance between spending lots of quality time with my 2 yr old and encouraging independence. I went back to work part time when dd was 6mths so i guess she is used to me playing with her when i'm home and we are both getting used to this SAHM thing. She is a very intelligent little girl with a great imagination but she much prefers me to play with her. At the moment she is constantly asking me "want to play with me mum?"and it's hard to say "no, i'm tired and just want to relax cause i'm the size of a house". I usually have to be doing something to get out of playing otherwise she gets upset if i don't want to be a certain character or have a cup of tea etc. Don't get me wrong i love playing with her but i'm drained and i don't want her to be too relient on dh and i to play with her constantly.
    I also think that she has gotten much less independent in her play and while i am trying to find the balance between playing and making her play alone i'm wondering if part of it is the impending birth of her brother or sister.
    Anyone else in this situation?
    Does your 2 yr old entertain themself or do you play with them lots?

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Aug 2007
    Country NSW
    452

    Subscribing.... I have the same 'problem' with my DS1, I know it is very hard when pregnant or sleep deprived and you just want to sit down for a minute. Asking him to play by himself for a little while and then actively ignoring all the whinging is all that works for us.