Does your six / seven year old play with toys

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My 6.9 year old does not play with toys really. He does like hiw wrestling figures but that is about it. I am not talking about ds and playstation here etc.. He enjoys reading but I find it increasingly irrating that he cannot occupy himself when his siblings can who are only 4 and 2. He cannot relax and as a result often ends up overtired. He is not interested in the television not even for an hour.

So I have already had them off school for two weeks and have another six to go. Has anyone else got a child like this and what do you do? It seems that he will partake in something if I am doing it with him. I am a sahm mum so always here, but do need to get a few bits done each day. I explain this to him and say after that we will do something.

I find play doh occupies most chidren.

yes, he does like play dooh, it is just he has never really played with toys, has anyone else got a child like this.

Mine likes gameboy ywan. lego, pens and paper, magic sand/moon sand. And those little mini cars. And when no-one is looking still likes toddler toys

Has he ever tried construction toys like Magnetix, my ds is ASD and has little interest in toys, but he loves construction play.

yeah, total, he had some magnetix when he was about three and loved them. We still have them will have to dig them out and maybe add to the set. He just tinkering on his piano now. He is having lessons and doing really well. He seems to be more practical if you like and likes to see a result with something.

I just wish he could learn to chill out sometimes especially when he needs it.

I know what you mean, my ds always likes to have a challenge to complete, which is fantastic but tiring sometimes.

total, do you mean totally exhausting. Honestly by the time the evening comes I am literally on my knees, it is as though he always has to be doing something, and with two little ones as well. I think he takes after me though because I am a little like that, but now that I have three children like to chill a bit more than I used to

Yep, I hear ya, I have 3 year old twins to see to too

What about lego? or meccano(sp) there are lots of toys that involve creating things.

My ds still plays with playmobil castle and dragons etc but he has been getting into 'creating' more.. Making spaceships from lego etc.

My 6 year old is presently obessesed with lego city and creator - it comes with instructions. He makes one, then wrecks it and makes another.

Again any construction toy - magnetix, meccano, knex etc..

Also loves games of any sort.

I finally after a long time and a lot of sarcasm from me realised that when my ds 6yo says 'i don't know what to do' he means just that. I now instead of saying 'well you've got lots of toys shall we throw them away?' say 'why don't you get out you lego/brick/castle and make a house/zoo/make spells with the wizard to beat his enemies' It has taken me a while to find things that appeal but it now means that he'll go dancing off and get on with whatever on his own just fine. it's just sometimes he needs an idea rather than being faced with a playroom of toys. sometimes i join in to get him started andthen sneak off when he's absorbed normally after about 2 mins as he has grand ideas and mine interfere with his plans!!!!!

loads of great ideas, i have dusted off the magnetix. He has also just made a bat following instructions from a kinex set, so i may have to invest a bit of money in some more suitable construction toys. I was going to get him some mecanno, think will get some

I have one child who loves and needs lots of toys, construction, role play, dress up, you name it - lots to stimulate and occupy and will sit on her own for ages playing in her own little world. My 6 yr old is the opposite. Even as a younger child never really bothered with toys that much, prefered just pottering around exploring. Seems to need more feeback than just playing with herself and so computer games, other children or her DS is her best option. Brought them up the same so don?t think it is anything we have done, just some kids play differently to others. I found interactive toys the best - if not computer/DS stuff then craft and science kits are good. She will play with her eye toy - at least that is more physical and loves the problem solving games on her DS. I have ended up bailing out to be honest though - paying for horse riding, swimming and tennis lessons to occupy her and give her more of a break from the house (and me).

DS2 is 6 almost 7 and loves colouring in and painting. I print off pictures form this site
and also a dot to dot one and it keeps him occupied for ages. He likes pretend play and is obsessed with doctor who too.

oo thanks for link ulyssess - ds like arty stuff as well.

Oh yes recently DS1 has got into those kids puzzle books with mazes, dot to dot, wordsearch etc...

dot to dot site

we've just had success with an art attack book from the library. lots of projects which got my 7yo ds fired up. papier mache good.