Is it possible for an 11 mo to entertain themselves?

[toytown]

Without TV?

I feel like such a crap mother today as I'm desperate to get a few jobs/ things done for me but DS just wont entertain himself. He has sooo many musical/ flashy light etc toys but the only way I can get 5 mins is to but the TV on and I just feel dreadful and about it.

Can you involve him in what needs to be done and do anything else when he's asleep? How urgent is it?

I've only noticed now at 17 months that DS really entertains himself. I also found that the flashy toys were pants - DS prefers household stuff eg piles of clothes to chuck about, sometimes I took out the utensil drawer (remove sharp stuff) and he'd play. Get some saucepans out for him to bash with a wooden spoon. He also has a kitchen cupboard with non breakable stuff.

Why do you feel dreadful about putting the TV on? Seriously, I think you're being a bit hard on yourself. OK perhaps it isn't ideal, but then what is ideal with small kids... half an hour at a time won't kill him and it might make you feel a lot better.

Or do your jobs at nap time?

Agree with Iggly. The only time DS really properly 'played' and explored with the electronic toys was when the batteries ran out. When he they were put back in he stopped the interesting playing.

At that age, DS liked throwing the laundry from the basket around and just crawling around putting random things in his mouth. Once he could pull up, pressing the buttons on the washing machine and opening / closing cupboard doors and drawers was a fun for a surprisingly long time.

You could try a treasure basket - google heuristic play for ideas.

how's your DS Angel? All better?

Hello,
Thanks for the advice. He does love just crawling around the place and putting things in his mouth but then I spend the whle time following him around pulling them back out. Our house is very small with so it is difficult to put things away.

Will look up treasure basket now .

I create almost as much mess as DS does, so I let him throw things around then do a big clear up (or not) at the end of the day. The smaller the space the harder it is though.

I liked some of the activity ideas on this blog which were aimed at around 11 m. IIRC.

DS is much better thanks, Iggly , although still with a nasty cough. His sleep is much improved since being ill - 2 out of 3 nights he wakes just once before I go to bed for a nappy change & 'pottytunity'.

My 11 month old loves playing with the dogs water bowl - with fairly bad consequences, I must admit, but it keeps her happy for a while

Playpen in front TV - put on Rastamouse. Easy.