When should kids be able to occupy themselves for around 15 minutes at least?

[Hope54321]

I’m asking because I look forward to being able to do some chores without having my child clinging onto my legs everytime I get up to do something. I’ll enjoy all the attention I’m getting for now though.

I’ve noticed that since DD turned 4 she can do this far more and for that length of time but from when she was probably about 2.5 I could get her doing drawing or some kind of craft while I got stuff done and she also would help me. It makes it take longer when she helps but i prefer that to her being upset

My 18 month old can do this sometime but not always. I usually have to wait until she starts playing independently then sneak off. We have a baby pen which is useful.

From age 4 and up yes i would expect them to be able to entertain themselves with colouring or something

DS is on inset today. He's 4.5yo. He's occasionally telling me about his imaginary set up but is largely cracking on independently while I try to get the house closer to organised before going back to job 2 (went back to job 1 Sunday and Monday already)

I think it really depends on the temperament of your child. The range amongst my DS/nephews/nieces is 10 months (oldest nephew has always loved his own company) - 3 or 4 years. My DS is nowhere near at 19 months.

@AliceW89

I think it really depends on the temperament of your child. The range amongst my DS/nephews/nieces is 10 months (oldest nephew has always loved his own company) - 3 or 4 years. My DS is nowhere near at 19 months.

This. DS is 3 in a couple of weeks and has been able to happily entertain himself with toys/books for quite a while already. I know other children his age who still need constant interaction. They're all different.

The problem is that even when they can do it, you don't get to choose when the 15 minutes occurs. DD pesters me constantly and as soon as i say im free now so I can play with her for X amount of time before j start dinner or whatever, she says no she just wants to watch the iPad 🙄

Depends on the child entirely. I know 2/3 year olds who can play by themselves for ages and 6 year olds who are still of the lying all over their parents ‘I’m boooored’ variety.

I do think it takes practise. So playing with the child to show them how to actually play then leaving them.

I'm wondering the same.
I have a 12 months old, and he can occupy himself for 15 minutes or more, but you need to be in the same room (as soon as you leave he'll start screaming), and you don't get to choose the time.

I would say 3/4.

DD could do this from a very young age - as a baby she would entertain herself for ages. As a toddler would read, do playdoh, imaginary games with happy land. She's now very introverted & likes her own company.

DS is far more sociable & I couldn't get anything done when he was little. Probably school age? Basically once he was old enough to go to play dates & wasn't under my feet.

So I think it's more their personality than their age.

Involve them in the job you are doing. When DS was younger (from 18 months)… he loved nothing more than pottering around with me ‘helping.’ I’m talking cleaning, cooking, laundry, bike cleaning/ maintenance (I’m a cyclist!), gardening and basic DIY. The task obviously took longer, but they got done and best of all he’s learning how to do the essentials and the importance of us all contributing. DP is the same with him. It was rare that he whined if a job needed doing. I certainly came up with all manner of creative ways of including him. I can’t stand the whining and whinging though.

DS maybe 3, Dd before 2-she would just take herself off and play with her figures/ horses/dolls for hours. DS you knew he was in the house.

I should add, he’s 5 now and I’m making the most of him willingly helping (he is actually really helpful now!!) before I have to bribe him with pocket money 🤣😂

You can't choose but I would say you can predict. So after breakfast/teeth brush I would get 20 minutes from the toddler (possibly while baby napped) I would try to do something towards dinner/sort out pjs/clean nappies upstairs/give kitchen/ bathroom quick wipe. I knew and I think this is common that 4pm- teatime was the witching hour so as I said I would try to have done most of dinner prep in the morning (or during afternoon nap). After dinner I found you might get another 20-30 minute calm time before needing to go up for bath etc.

Local charity shops are ace for stuff like play kitchens, play tool kits, play iron/ ironing board etc. DS had his own mini version of our vacuum, they were identical! How he loved following me round with it. I had his play kitchen set up in our rather small kitchen. I actually found it rather enjoyable (🙈) having him by my side

My 7 year old won’t do anything by herself. Ever. It’s very wearing. She’s very sociable whereas I’m an introvert and spent most of my childhood with my head in a book. So it’s very hard work. We have lots of play dates to keep her occupied.

I have 3 dcs , all close in age and they play together all day thankfully! But around 3/4 they get a longer concentration span.

Some kids can do this at 9 months old and others struggle at 9. It's a personality thing in afraid 😬