MOOKS -self entertaining?

[nilex0102]

How well do your older kids self entertain and what do they do?
i have always felt like Nick is horrible at self entertaining. He always wants to "play " with us or we need to help him with what he is building, playing etc. (aka he tells us what to do)
he only does this at home and is fine playing with other kids visiting or at their houses (once he warms up if he does not know them that well) or at school. The only thing that keeps him busy for a longer stretch is watching a movie or playing with a gadget like the iPad.
We have a house full of toys that rarely get played with and that makes me sad. Nick would rather do something with us or practice letters, read with us etc. he gets mad if we don't do it but reality is we have other stuff that needs to get done (cook dinner for example) and I feel like sending him to play is like a time out for him. We both work but definitely make time for him to do things together or take him places like the zoo, children's museum etc and all that is fine but at home he is a clingy mess at times. 
Anyone else in the same boat?

[charlielove]

I can definitely relate. I don't think Claire is great at self entertaining either, and I'm not sure if it's an age thing (but, I don't think she's ever been really good at it) or if it's just a personality thing. She never, ever plays in her room unless it's during "quiet time". The only times she will really self entertain is if she is playing outside, with the iPad or coloring (but she usually wants me to color too). She doesn't really play with toys at all. It's difficult at times because I need to get things done, but I don't want her glued to the iPad or TV either. I will give her activity books or have her trace her letters, etc. but that usually involves me sitting with her to help, so again not getting anything done. I'm hopeful that as Charlotte gets a bit older and more involved in playing with her sister it will become easier.

[devonpow]

How old is he? Henry didn't do well with self entertainment until 4/4.5. Even now he still prefers for me to play Legos with him, etc., but can/will play on his own. But around 4 is where the imaginative play really took off and he started playing elaborate games with his stuff.

[nilex0102]

Jul 31, 2013 17:03:27 GMT -5 devonpow said:

How old is he? Henry didn't do well with self entertainment until 4/4.5. Even now he still prefers for me to play Legos with him, etc., but can/will play on his own. But around 4 is where the imaginative play really took off and he started playing elaborate games with his stuff.

He turned four on March 1st so he is right there age wise. His imagination is definitely there so here is hoping it turns into something soon

[fusion]

Jameson is awesome playing outside by himself, but inside is a different story. I'm also hopeful that the kids will be imaginative together soon. I'm planning on their Christmas presents being a bunch of costumes that I'm going to get after Halloween is over and I really hope that can jump start them into more imaginative play.

[nilex0102]

Jul 31, 2013 17:01:50 GMT -5 charlielove said:

I can definitely relate. I don't think Claire is great at self entertaining either, and I'm not sure if it's an age thing (but, I don't think she's ever been really good at it) or if it's just a personality thing. She never, ever plays in her room unless it's during "quiet time". The only times she will really self entertain is if she is playing outside, with the iPad or coloring (but she usually wants me to color too). She doesn't really play with toys at all. It's difficult at times because I need to get things done, but I don't want her glued to the iPad or TV either. I will give her activity books or have her trace her letters, etc. but that usually involves me sitting with her to help, so again not getting anything done. I'm hopeful that as Charlotte gets a bit older and more involved in playing with her sister it will become easier.

 Sounds exactly like our house! I sure hope they will play together more soon without having to watch them constantly.

[nilex0102]

Jul 31, 2013 17:28:25 GMT -5 fusion said:

Jameson is awesome playing outside by himself, but inside is a different story. I'm also hopeful that the kids will be imaginative together soon. I'm planning on their Christmas presents being a bunch of costumes that I'm going to get after Halloween is over and I really hope that can jump start them into more imaginative play.

Our plan is to get them a kitchen for Christmas but a costume or dress up clothes sound like a great idea!

[joyhart02]

Sounds like us too. Lydia always says "play with me" She will play with her babies by herself but otherwise we need to be around her when she plays. We are in the same boat.

[Deleted]

Mine play together really well. That's a new development since about 12 months and DS2 could walk. They will run off outside and play for ages. There is always drama at some point, but I think since DS2 could start to engage and follow him around, DS1 has gotten so much better at self-entertainment. Or, "co-entertainment" as it were. He loves to organise his little brother, it's like an amazing treat for him to have someone to worship him all the time, lol.

Maybe your DD just needs to get a little bit older and your DS will have his work cut out for him

[thedahliharpa]

H plays well by herself IF she is making an epic mess. Outside at the park is what drives me nuts. She wants us to climb the playground with her step for step. Just go play! :-)