Just wondered since my DC1 can't seem to. I can't help feeling he should be able and willing to play alone for a while at points during the day, whereas unless the telly is on, then I am in constant demand to look, hold, play with, follow etc etc. Mostly that is fine, either we are out doing stuff or at home doing things, but I do have another younger DC as well as chores to do/food to cook. To get anything done or to spend time with DC2 then DC1 has to have telly on or I will not be able to do whatever without him hanging off me/whining etc. He wont yet play with me and DC2 at the same time unfortunately, still suffering from jealousy. I guess my question is, do I need to just accept that he isn't very independent ...or is it just the age he is? Or am I foolish to be using the telly to keep him out of my hair? It is on a bit too much and maybe it doesnt matter, but I feel a bit of a failure when it goes on again...