How much time do you spend playing with your 8 month old?

[DullWomenHaveImmaculateHomes]

I find it hard to gauge how much is too much or too little. Sometimes she tells me if she wants company. Other times she looks perfectly happy exploring on her own which I know is important. I don't want to feel like I'm neglecting her by leaving her to get on with it.
What does everyone else do?

I worried about this, then realised there was nothing wrong with just getting on with my own thing while DS pottered around - you can still talk to each other. If she looks happy then she is, don't worry

Thanks. We do still chat and sing even if I'm not actually playing with her and our house is open plan so wherever I am I can see her. I think I just needed someone else to say it's ok!

My DD2 is 8 months too and currently sat playing with the Wii remotes chatting to herself which she has been doing for 15 mins or so. She soon comes and tells me when she wants company, which as i am typing this she is heading my way .

It is realy important that they do learn to play on their own, i always made sure dd1 did and she is now 8 and loves her own company.I have a friend that always sat and played with her DD who is 8 also and she now wont even entertain playing on her own.

Totally know what you mean, Dull. I remember panicking and asking the HV what I should be 'doing' with my 3wk old while he was awake!

I think it's good for children to realise they might occasionally get ignored for short periods too! Shock horror!

My lo is 7.5 months and I often let her be sitting and playing her toys - or she'll sit in her high chair in the kitchen playing with toys while I do the washing up etc, her door bouncer keeps her entertained too while I do things lol. All of these activities are still being there and being with her, but giving her space too :)

Sometimes I feel I should be doing more too, but I think she'd get irritated with me and want to be left alone! lol :o

x