DD never wants to play alone..always wants me ivolved help!!

[pookie81]

My 16 month DD can never just play with her toys at home without always wanting me playing with her etc. This stops me from doing many household chores because it results in her crying. I go to toddler group a lot but even then she can't just play with other children, always has to be by my side with her toys. Will this ever end???

[jogym]

My DD is 15 months and is exactly the same. I do not work 2 days a week and can get nothing done. I also have an 8 year old and she was not like this. My mum has commented on it and I was getting a bit worried. She is interested in pottering about and lifting and touching things but if you sit her down with stickle bricks or blocks etc. and try to leave the room to do the dishes or whatever she just comes in whineing behind you. She does not have a minute and is constantly on the go. Anyone else experienced this. I have to say though that when I am with her to a group class with other children it's like I am not there it is only when we are at home.

[Weegle]

My son is 20 months and although a little better is still very much like this. I thought it was just normal toddlerdom to be honest! He will occassionally get absorbed in something on his own but it's not commonplace. With regards to getting things done I just get him to "help" - so he loads the washing machine whilst I clear up breakfast things; he plays with a hoover attachment whilst the hoovering is done; he stands on a chair with bowls/dry pasta/wooden spoons whilst I cook etc etc.

[suedonim]

Isn't this just normal baby behaviour? They're programmed to want to be with others, for security. Why not take your baby with you as you do the chores, there's usually something they can have to play with, or you can keep a few toys in each room to keep them occupied for five minutes.

[Weegle]

I'm sure I remember reading somewhere (but it might be baloney) that toddlers are programmed to follow their parent because in caveman days when women were gatherers if the child didn't stay near the mother they would at best get lost or at worse be prey for animals. Makes sense - security is with the parent, not to mention they are watching your every move learning what being a human is about.

[FillyjonkisCALM]

oh i think its an age thing

by about 2 ish they are normally ok with playing alone

there is a good developmental reason for it but I can't remember what it is.

[FrannyandZooey]

yes normal
difficult but normal
can you put her playing with something near to where you are doing your job?
eg in high chair next to you with something interesting while you wash up
on bathroom floor with stacking cups while you clean bath

[pookie81]

She is a very active baby and always pulls me towards the back door to go out to play just when Im doing the chores or wants to play ball etc. She never sits and plays but I guess if this is normal then it' o.k. Thanks everyone!

[pootleflump]

My dd is 3.3 and still like this.

[squilly]

Yikes...mine is 7 and still wants me to play with her all the time. I'd swap her for a 2 year old tomorrow if she'd let me, but she keeps telling me that's not possible.

I'm sure your DD will grow out of it. And when she does just a little part of you will probably cry!

Playing's the bestest thing about being a mum imo.

[MrsMattie]

16 months? She is much too young to be capable of entertaining herself. Your expectations are too high.