How to encourage independent play?

[skipinmyskip]

My DD is 22 months old. Up until about 3 months ago (so, about 19 months) she used to be happy to sit on her own and play. Not now, even if she is sitting playing with playdough or lego, she is desperate for me to be with her playing. I really don't mind it to an extent, but it is hard to get anything done!

Any ideas for how to encourage her to play on her own?

We had a play cooker & small table which kept the children busy for ages - after spending a bit of time showing them how to 'cook' ,set the table,etc they would happily go off and make endless cups of tea for you ! Found they were happy to do this as long as you'd keep popping head round the door to see how it was going.
Also why not get DD to help you with some tasks? If you're clearing up , a baby wipe to do some ' dusting' goes down a treat ,as does a small brush & pan ,small washing airer etc ,plus they get a real confidence boost from having helped ( then you won't feel so bad about them watching a bit of children's tv for 20 mins while you finish off !)

DS1 was easy and was happy to entertain himself while DS2 was such a demanding little bugger, and would follow me around and climb over me at every opportunity. I found it near impossible to get anything done and we run a business and I found it exhausting.

I did try anything but he wasnt amused for very long. Prob the most entertainment seemed (and still is) to be outside playing in the garden, digging and rolling in the mud! But in this weather its near impossible!

I'm not sure if there is anything you can do to improve their confidence. In the end I put him in nursery for another day and that gave him so much fun and he adored it and they do 'free time'. This gave me the opportunity to catch up on things too.

I send my 18mo DD of on little missions like 'find mummy a small dolly' and 'find mummy Postman pat' etc .. this can be done from the sink, vacuum, laptop... we have cards with pictures on and she loves finding the one I am asking for and I can still get on. Also, she used to tantrum and hang on my leg if I wouldn't play with her, but I just got her a little involved in what I was doing and explained that I was busy but would play with her in a few minutes... she now understands 'In a minute when mummy has finished her job' and waits excitedly.

Some good ideas thanks. We are planning to get her a kitchen for her 2nd birthday and I guess that will help when I am trying to cook (she wants to help so so much). I might also put together a wee box with her plates, cutlery etc, so she can set the table for me when dinner is coming.

I sat her down in the kitchen with some playdough etc yesterday afternoon whilst I wanted to get on with some tidying. She kept on saying 'mama sit mama sit' and then next thing I know she has run away and come back dragging a wee seat for me! Rather cute, but did mean I sat playing! Never mind, I can't get this time back so should enjoy these moments!