to want my kids to just PLAY!

[llynnnn]

I have 2 dd's (4.6 years and 18mths) both have a mountain of new toys from Christmas plus loads of old toys all at easy reach, but they never play with them!

They have both just followed me around ghe house this morning getting under my feet! It's not just today, this is constant! They will only play if I'm sat with them leading the game.

I try to start them both off with a game it activity but as soon as I move they follow! Drives me potty, I just need some time to do jobs etc.

I thought that all kids played! AIBU expecting them to use their initiative and play!?

[deaddei]

Hide lots of their presents- they are probably overwhelmed after yesterday.

[LutyensInTinsel]

I hear you!

YADNBU

[Firawla]

18 months is quite young still, maybe when she is a bit older the both of them will be able to play together a bit better without you, hopefully..
but yanbu though sometimes mine do this and can get really irritating after too long, just having them under your feet all the time and almost tripping over them, when you are just trying to get some things done. mine are 2.5 and 12 months so hoping when they get bit older will be much better able to play with eachh other and amuse each other. probably once the younger ones can fully talk and are less of a baby? like around 2 yrs? well i hope so

[llynnnn]

Deadei - they are always like this, I have tried just giving them a few at a time and alternating them every week or so.

Feel like telling them that father Christmas will take them all back!

[JodiesMummy]

YANBU!

[magicmummy1]

yanbu to find it hard, but it's normal behaviour at 18 months I reckon - ypu can't really expect them to play independently at that age. But the four year-old should be able to manage it for reasonable periods. Do you have a dp who can play with them while you do other stuff?

[llynnnn]

It's more dd1 that just won't play on her own. If dd2 will play with her then shes happier, she just wants entertaining by someone!

Dh is really good at entertaining them usually but he had surgery on his spine 3 weeks ago so is very limited at the mo. Think thats why I'm feeling it more at the mo!
Sorry for ranting!

[littleducks]

I have a 2yr old and a 4yr old. The 2yr old plays far better than the 4 yr old.

And starting school hasn't helped, she just seems to have got used to being in a group

The past few days have been the worst, dh is working long days so that the people in the office who are celebrating xmas can have some time at home with their kids, and dd has insisted on being glued to my side as she is slightly unwell and extremly whingey

[Sapphire2012]

Sorry but you are being unreasonable. Your children just want to be with you! What is so wrong about that? If you are doing housework, get them to run the duster around (not the breakables though) etc. Find them something to do that will help you.

[llynnnn]

I do that a lot sapphire, maybe they enjoy cleaning more than toys (could work to my advantage in a few years I love spending time with them, but cant help thinking all these toys are wasted on them!