To think that my children should be able to play on their own with toys?

[hooochycoo]

I've a nearly five year old and a nearly two year old. This afternoon we've been in doors as the weather is awful and I'm knackered and a bit fed up. All they've done all day is pester me , follow me around whining, try and play with stuff they aren't allowed (my laptop, my make up bag, the phone, the cooker) and fight with each other.

I have got paints out for them, got toys out and started them off playing with various things. They last about 2 mins. I'm utterly sick if it. Have I done something wrong? Why don't they know how to play?

They aren't admittedly in the house much in the day, between play dates, preschool, playgroups and general life. But FFS, surely it's inherent that children know how to play ?

that's a good call. been meaning to read that in ages

I've a whiner too plus he is very loud, very talkative and very full on. I have to bribe him to be quiet for 5 mins sometimes or my head would explode!

I have found not having the tele on encourages him to play more and enter that little world of make believe but it still doesn't last long.

I usually find that in the school holidays mine do this for a few days, especially following me around. It is like they have forgotten how to play with their stuff. Then over a few days they gradually remember how to play by them selves. Maybe if yours are often out and about, they need some time to learn how to play with their toys.

But mine played near me for a long time, dd doesn't now and she is 6, I think it stopped once she went to school, we always had the toys downstairs as they wanted to be close by.

cant help but feel so pleased my two were close in age and liked the same things , they just played together all the time ,everything was a school , with animals , cars , sylvanians etc , i never had to pretend to play , it was great .

My 6 yo DS is the same - he can play but just needs engaging with all the time. He was the same as a baby - I think it's a personality thing.

I imagine a lot of parents had a day like this today. Usually we get out but the weather was sooo miserable that we spent most of the day cooped up inside. Didn't help that DD refused her nap and I'm 38 weeks pregnant and on a short fuse.
My sympathies, hope tomorrow is better.

I found a low down kitchen cupboard / drawer with carefully chosen items - Tupperware , wooden spoons etc would give a lot of play time ( allowing me to read my book) Or washing up bowl filled with containers .

I think my 2 found that more exciting than playing with toys.

Also make a den with the couch and upturned cushions.

All nostalgic now. Honestly it won't be long before they retire to their rooms to eat/sleep/ Skype leaving you begging for their company.