Benign neglect: how much do you let your (young) DCs entertain themselves?

[SpawnChorus]

DD (4) and DS (2.9) have recently started playing together brilliantly. They play make-believe games for hours.

I take full advantage of this and fritter time on MN get on with the housework, but I feel kind of guilty. I have to say that I really am crap at playing kiddie games, and wonder a) if the poor wee mites have taken to playing with each other because I couldn't be arsed and b) if I should get a bit more involved.

What do you think?

I have always thought that there was something "weird" about too much adult led activities...too controlled?...not natural..? A parent can get out an "activity" and direct children eg sticking ... but if you let them do their own thing they wouldnt choose the sticker book but might build a camp etc. They are learning so much more being ferral!...independence, cooperation, team work, imagination risk etc...that they could not experience if adult led.

For as long as your children can peacefully entertain themselves, let them! Do not interrupt them!

I am the most paranoid mum out there. I feel guilty about everything where my son is concerned. I play constantly with him and take him places but fell guilty that I want to potter and get jobs done sometimes instead of playing. I also think independant play is good and I need to let my son have more of this...he obviously enjoys it but I just dont know what to do with myself. I feel like im not needed anymore. I find it hard to just sit back.

I also let mine play independently as much as they like, partly because I really do think it is good for them and partly so I can get on with things. I also think it is really important that they see that housework, cooking etc needs to be done and that the house doesn't just magically clean itself after they have gone to bed. They quite like "helping" too. Occasionally anyway.