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Original poster

My toddler's been playing alone for over an hour. Is this normal?

28 replies

Huff1epuff · 07/05/2021 10:51

My 22 month old has been playing in his playroom alone for over an hour. It's completely safe in there and I'm right outside so I know he's OK.

Is it normal that he's happy to play alone for this long? It feels like a quite a long time but I don't know any other children his age so I've no idea if it's normal.

OP posts:

SleepingStandingUp · 07/05/2021 11:04

I'd say unusual but that doesn't mean bad.

maslinpan · 07/05/2021 11:06

Independent play is great for children and parents, don't worry and embrace the peace while it lasts!

ElspethFlashman · 07/05/2021 11:08

Yeah some kids, especially boys it seems, just want to potter about.

I remember at that age my friend being mad jealous of DS because he just pottered about with his toys. Her DD wouldn't play Independantly and she was worn out! Actually he was younger, i think he was only about 18 months. He was perfectly happy though.

He's still able to go into Lego world for ages, and actually needs a bit of alone time to decompress, just playing on his own.

Ive since had a girl and find she really needs a lot more company in play. She literally will refuse to play unless you play with her. No interest in Lego whatsoever. The only thing she'll spend an hour doing is colouring or sticker books.

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Devlesko · 07/05/2021 11:10

Aw bless him, I had one like this, the others not so easily occupied.
We used to say if it was safe we could go out shopping and he wouldn't miss us.
With mine it was those big chunky bricks or cars.
He sounds well content, you are obviously doing something right

Putitinthebin · 07/05/2021 11:11

My 21 month old can do this, he roams the downstairs of the house quite happily destroying my kitchen and throwing the contents of the cupboards everywhere, or trying to load the washing machine. As long as he thinks I'm around he's ok.

My dd.was the opposite, needed constant attention, never played independently and even now she's at school she won't initiate any play on her own, it's exhausting! Im pleased dc2 is far more relaxed.

Thatisnotwhatisaid · 07/05/2021 11:11

My eldest was very much like this and my 2 year old is now too. Interesting PP mentioned boys are mostly like this because my DD’s definitely weren’t like this at all! Enjoy the peace and quiet.

Owwlie · 07/05/2021 11:12

DD was like this until she turned 2 and a half. Then it was constantly asking us to play with her. Enjoy it!

karmakameleon · 07/05/2021 11:15

DS3 likes to disappear off to do a poo in private. Have you checked his nappy?

BooblePlate · 07/05/2021 11:24

I was like this as a toddler and beyond (and I am female), as was and is my son. My daughter is too young but she copies her brother and will sit turning pages of a book for a while and pottering about happily for a bit. I notice that they do it much more if I am moving around doing jobs at the same time - less likely if I am sitting down!

Stompythedinosaur · 07/05/2021 11:28

It would have been unusual for my dc, but all dc are different.

StayingHere · 07/05/2021 11:34

That's awesome neither of mine would ever do that as toddlers. Bank it!

BertieBotts · 07/05/2021 11:35

My second child is like this, my first would never! I think my second is more introverted - he's very happy in his own company.

I think it's unusual but not worryingly so.

onemouseplace · 07/05/2021 11:37

Is it normal for him?

I've got 3DC and they've always been happy to play independently. A lot of my friends' DCs never were.

mumblecrumble · 07/05/2021 11:37

Naaah not unusual at all.

my daughter would giggle and chat with her toys, role play, have a great time.

As long as she could see me and know she's safe she went for it. She is 13 now and similar. She has great friends, is social but is very happy doing things herself :)

Floralnomad · 07/05/2021 11:38

My eldest was like that , it was great , the second one needed constant entertainment.

insomniaisaballbag · 07/05/2021 11:55

My eldest is like this and really hated to be interrupted!

OhToBeASeahorse · 07/05/2021 11:56

God do you fancy swapping?

sofakingexhausted · 07/05/2021 12:01

My eldest was like this from a very young age. I got loads of work done and most of the time if I tried to play with him he would go and do something else. My second child is opposite, he rarely plays by himself usually needs my involvement. Enjoy it and encourage it it makes for great independent confident children :)

Shorthairlady · 07/05/2021 12:07

Enjoy it! Its hard going when you have a child who wants you to play with them all the time when you really need to be doing other stuff. When they start talking properly it's a hilarious and eye opening experience listening to them. My only DD has me in stitches just listening to her playing on her own. It's a good life skill to have, entertaining yourself.

RestingPandaFace · 07/05/2021 12:09

Perfectly normal, he’s just found something engrossing.

Great sign that he is happy secure and confident!

cleckheatonwanderer · 07/05/2021 12:10

It depends on the child, my DS would do this around that age. I much preferred it than having a child who could only 'play' with another person interacting with them all the time.

NeedNewKnees · 07/05/2021 12:11

Perfectly normal. Lots of toddlers enjoy their own company. It’s a good thing, enjoy it.

Original poster

Huff1epuff · 07/05/2021 12:23

Thanks so much everyone, I'm really glad I posted this. I messaged DH to tell him and he replied saying "poor lonely boy" so you've really reassured me.

We aren't planning on having any more children so DH is probably projecting his fears but from what you're all saying it sounds like DS may have a good temperament to be an only child.

To those saying enjoy it, trust me I am! He was very very clingy until about 18 months so parenting suddenly feels very easy now! He's now having a 2/3 hour nap - life is good

OP posts:

Eviethyme · 07/05/2021 12:24

I'd say normal for some.
My son could play for hours alone but my daughter wouldn't

20viona · 07/05/2021 12:32

It's brilliant I wish mine would
Bloody play alone 😂

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