No real interest in toys and demanding attention

[oneoftwo]

DS(1) 16 months seems so demanding, doesn't have any real interest in toys (unless I am playing on the floor with him giving him 100% attention) and has a very short attention span (compared to his peers). It's starting to concern me. For example, we went to a friends house yesterday and while the other 2 toddlers were playing with toys DS wandered around, whinged, or tried to climb on me. He's also like this at a mother and toddler group we go to. He's always demanded a lot of attention and it's very hard going some days. Anyone else had/in a similar situation? Should I be concerned?

Sounds normal to me, both mine were like this at this age. They're both great at playing alone & together now (3 & nearly 5). I wouldn't worry, toddlers can be particularly demanding & I really don't think it's a sign of future problems.

yeah my ds at this age was just the same couldn't even go to the toilet without him clinging to my leg it gets easier but they go through several stages of being clingy and then they are ok

i wouldn't worry to much but it can be frustrating when wanting 5 mins but it will also get easier

Just to chime in with my experience here, my 15 month old is like this too for alot of the day, it drives my other half a bit mad (She is a stay at home mom). But anyone that we have told about this said it was just a phase and it passes with time!

oneoftwo, my dd was just like this - took forever before she got interested in toys. Some children are content to play alone, some are more "needy" and hardwork.

But as your ds gets older, he will have more skills and language and be better at entertaining themselves.

Dd is now 4 and is great with occupying herself with drawing (mostly pictures of her family), watching DVDs, her dollys. Although she still frequently grumbles "I don't want to be all by myself!"

I think your ds is just a very sociable extroverted character. Who needs lots of stimulation and contact. He will be much easier when he matures and great company for you!

Thank God for this thread. My dd 14 months old is exactly the same. Whingy and grizzly, until given 100% attention, then delightful, smiley and charming.

Will not play with anything, unless you do, constantly wants books read to her, and then pushes them away. Only things I can guarantee she will play with are: my watch, my laptop, ipod, my makeup, nothing else holds any interest for her.

She also likes dp's laptop too.......

Thanks for your replies and reassurances. I just find some weeks so isolating when it's difficult to have even a short catch up with other mum frineds and I'm finding myself avoiding seeing people because of it. Fizzbuzz - sounds very much like DS - he has the cheekiest of grins!

Yup, sounds just like my DS (17 months). I always feel like he's showing me up when we meet up with other mums. He's always the one grizzling and demanding I do things with him. He tends to take your hand and try to drag you to see things and asks you to do things for him. I've found that saying 'you do it' helps, as he will then have a go and seems to get more confidence as a result. It's such hard work though. I'm sorry to hear you're going through it too, but at least I know I'm not alone now - that does help!

DS 21 months is exactly the same.

What does he do once he gets your attention ? You might be worrying about nothing but it never does any harm to think things through.