4 year old playing in room alone for hours

[Biosblbay]

I just wanted to see if this was a normal milestone for my 4 year old and if letting him be or telling him he needs to come out is the right thing to do.

Yesterday and today are the first 2 days he has played in him room for hours! Yesterday was from about 9am until about 2pm before we went out for the afternoon (of course he come out for lunch which he didn’t end up eating much and went straight back to his room) and the same thing has happened again today. We are not out today and staying indoors as my 14 month old has hand foot and mouth and it’s pouring down of rain so decided to stay in today.

I do go and check on him often, luckily I am in a bungalow so no stairs are involved, but everytime I walk in he tells me to get out or go away, I actually feel a little upset by this as he used to bring his toys into the living room and play. I feel a bit lonely and I am not used to this much silence! Especially as the little one is having a very long nap due to being unwell. I am not sure if it is a good thing to let him play alone most of the day or do I need to limit the amount of playtime in his room? Just a bit unsure on what is the right thing to do x

Sounds glorious to me 😂 I'd leave him to him while he's enjoying it personally. My 5 year old used to like playing in her room on her own during the day, but now says she's lonely and would rather be near us. It could change tomorrow, so if everyone's happy then no harm done?

OP you’ve achieved what many of us haven’t! My two (6 & 5) are currently playing “camping” in my living room which involves every cushion & blanket. I’m on here and having a cuppa so it’s not all bad but I’d really like them to play upstairs sometimes!

Is his door open and can you hear what he is doing? Is he happily chattering to himself, roleplaying etc.?

I’d let him play. My DS is a bit older but has always had days like this. When you’ve got a poorly toddler too, I’d definitely just embrace it. I’ve always thought it important that children develop the ability to play independently.

My ds is older but has periods like this. He'll spend weeks in his room playing PlayStation with his mates and then weeks ignoring them as he wants to be in the lounge with me doing other things.

DS used to spend a lot of time in his room at that age. Often reenacting episodes of Thomas the Tank Engine with his wooden train set. His cat would be in there with him and I’d often hear him chatting away, telling her the names of all the engines. It was very sweet.

My mum, who also worked in childcare all her life, always says that being able to amuse themselves happily is one of the most useful skills that kids can have!

Apparently all three of us were like that to a degree - my brother and I in particular. My sister was naturally more keen on company and more attention, apparently (she is still more easily bored than me even now) but still pretty good at playing for a while by herself.

My toddler (almost 3) is a social butterfly but can also play great by himself for hours some days! It's wonderful !!

I can barely get mine to play in the playroom, which is meters from where I am in the kitchen, and they wont even go up to get changed without me trailing after them! I'd just leave him be, he obviously enjoys to get deep in to his game and just finds it easier without being monitored or interrupted. Pop the telly on if you need done noise!

My dd loved playing, it’s one of children’s fundamental rights.

Id leave him in peace.

a great skill for a child to have!