DD (just 3) doesnt really play much. How can I encourage it?

[EVye]

She has quite a few toys (as well as her older sisters). Lots of happyland, dolls, kitchen etc which she will play with for about 5 mins then she comes back for my attention. She appears to have the attention span of a gnat, which I'm finding hard to deal with. DD1 always played independently so this is all a bit of a shock....

She'll do puzzles or drawing but only if I'm with her doing 90% of the work. She is keen to sit glued to tv at the moment but I've turned it off as she'd sit in front of it all day if she could.

I feel like a bit of a cow for not playing with her but my sanity wont allow with me to effectively play by myself with childrens toys for her to then tell me off for not doing it right.

Any suggestions?

you're all off doing jigsaws with your children arent you....

Well, yes, we do do a lot of jigsaws here EV! Could you try leaving her with a puzzle etc for increasing amount of time? Get her started, leave room, come back when you say you will but make it a big longer each time so she's getting used to it. Or possibly is she wanting more attention now for some other reason? DS2 goes through stages, he's quite chilled right now but when he's a bit anxious or unsettled about something he's more clingy.

If she's wanting to be with you, but you have things to do could she help with them? (obviously not mumsnetting). Or you make a deal that she does A on her own then you will help her with B?

I do'nt have the time nor the inclination to sit with dc's for ages like you, always expect them to be independent! Luckily dt's already used to being left!

i find the best way to get children playing is to limit the amount of toys they have. so sort thought her toys and only have half out for her and alternate them. also another good way is to introduce new exciting things. it doesnt have to be alot. My dd likes to have a bowl on the floor on a blanket or towel and i give her sponges, soaps, toothbrush towel etc and she cleans things. I also give her bandages, plasters, medicine spoons, empty bottles etc and she will play hospitals with her babies.
give my DD a tray with scissors, pritt stick, paper and pens and she tends to play for a while too.

lots of toys is too overwhelming and you have to introduce new ways to play with the existing toys too. this should increase the length of time your child plays for.

Thanks - Agree that too many toys can be overwhelming and have actively culled since christmas.

We spent the weekend with friends and she played beautifully with all the children. She just seems so sociable and plays so well with others. It's just when she's on her own or just with me - she cant bear the solitude.

We've been doing some puzzles this weekend but she just cant get past getting mummy to help.