3 year old boy constantly needing attention

[ahwhattodois]

He’ll be 4 at the beginning of May.

I have an older DD as well, but I didn’t feel she was quite the same. Maybe I just forgot.

anyway, my son- he always needs attention. He just doesn’t play on his own, at all pretty much.

he goes to nursery. I just mean when he’s at home.

he may play alone for 5 mins doing something like playing with his train, or playing with water at the sink or something - but that’s about it. Puzzles, forget it. Building Lego or blocks, he wants you right there. Drawing or colouring or painting, you need to be there, he won’t even sit down at all on his own.

even screen time, he doesn’t last long at all and just comes to find me. If I’m sitting down he’ll just climb on me or give me hugs and kisses. When I read to him, he’s always interrupting the story.

I know independent play takes a while but it’s just very little at the moment.

No advice but we have EXACTLY the same with our 3 year old boy - you are not alone!!

My DC was the same and it has become apparent as he's grown that he is neurodivergent.

It's exhausting op, I empathise!!

I have the same with my 7yo. No advice but you have my sympathy

My advice would be to play with him lots and then eventually he won't need you as much. Some kids need more input and he's only 3 he learns from you, so show him how to do it.

My oldest was like this, he needed constant attention, it was exhausting. He did grow out out it around the time he started school so I am keeping my fingers crossed that it’s the same for you. It’s very hard to actually get anything done when they won’t leave you alone for 5 minutes!!

you actually have to teach little kids to play alone. Try prolonging independent play by adding few minutes where you sent him back at his play-spot. Also, little kids can manage small amount of independent play before they need you.

Most 3 year olds won't entertain themselves for long without adult attention. If he's in nursery he is obviously going to want you to spend time with him at home. Get him involved in 'helping' you with chores - sweeping floors, folding/sorting laundry, chopping vegetables for dinner, dusting, cleaning the bath and chat while you're doing it. Little children learn a lot and enjoy the closeness when you're pottering about doing stuff together.