He won't leave me a lone and it drives me mad

[Clare123]

I have a nearly 3 yr old, who can not or will not play on his own unless I am there and normally he is climbing over me or bashing into me. (He is really boisterous). It is driving me crazy and I just feel like screaming. How can I encourage him to play on his own? any advice??

He loves his mum .

I know it probably doesn't help but hopefully it made you smile.

I have this problem with my (just) 4 year old. He is constantly around my ankles and needs me around at all times.

He will go up to his room and play for 5, 10 minutes if I'm exceptionally lucky before I get a 'muuuuuuum, will you come and play with me'?. If I don't play with him, he has to be where ever I am.

Have you tried putting all his toys upstairs? That way he at least has to go upstairs to find something (giving you about 30 seconds space) and with any luck he could be distracted. Thats about the only advice I can offer...however I can sympathise LOTS!

Get a pet? (Although of course, that may just mean you've got two small beings clamouring for your attention).

he loves you, and loves your company, enjoy it it wont be long before he won't walk down the road with you, hun it will pass! I love mine playing in the living room, it saves me lumbering upstairs to sort out the latest squabble (am 32 wks preg with ds3) just remembered doesn't jo frost advocate setting them up with a game or something to do and then withdraw from the game, leaving them to play? baby brain so not sure of details.

Set uo pan activity. play for 5 or so minutes, then say I just need to pop to the toilet...go and come back. Then say ok I am just going to pop these toys away while you do that..then gradually increase the time away. He will be happy that you started off playing with him and you will be able to say 'I am just going to do the dishes' (etc) and he will know that you will come back.

Just a thought.

Set up AN..sigh...