Can anyone give me ideas on getting DS (Age 4) to play by himself?

[newmommy]

Or is that an unreasonable expectation? From the moment he wakes up 7am sharp! (when I'm home from work at least), he expects me to entertain him til the the time he goes to bed.

He follows me all over the house. He even waits outside the bathroom and sometimes bangs on the door for me to let him in.

I don't know what to do anymore. He just wants More and More and More of me. He demands 200% of my attention at all times.

When I'm home, I play with him as much as I can...1 hour here, 30 minutes there, but it's not enough. I have to cook his dinner and then he throws a meltdown because he's hungry and wants dinner yesterday!!

But in all fairness, he's a people person. In the store, he quickly strikes up conversation with strangers. Anyone who will listen to him.

So, I'm glad he IS who he IS but I just need something solid to keep him entertained for about 30 minutes at a time.

Maybe he's not being challenged enough???

Can you think of anything?

Thanks!

[mountainsun]

Awww, sounds like he prolly is making up for lost time

hmmmm, how about books on cd/ tape? Sometimes my ds will isten to them, but that will spark a little creative play and he will play while listening. Also, my ds will play with his cars. How about a playhouse/ play people? We have a firehouse and firepeople that used to keep ds occupied for a long time.

Do you get outside time>\? Time to just be free and explore? Sandbox (dont know where you live) Swingset/ playground??

Can he HELP you cook? I often have both my boys up on chairs in the kitchen with me. Sometimes they will "help," sometimes they just hang out

Also music will often jump start some creative play for us. Good luck!

[newmommy]

Thank you! All wonderful ideas!

He does need more time outside , it's been hard with the time and weather change.

I think this will help alot!

Thank you again!