How can I get my 6 mth old to be less dependent on me and be able to play on his own?

Question

I can't do any work around the house untill he sleeps. He wants my undivided attention. I know that the answer will help him in the long run.

Answer 1

First of all, your baby will be fine without you giving him 24/7 attention. Take baby steps getting your baby more independent, it will not happen overnight.

Some suggestions...

*Only pick up your baby when its feeding time or during certain times of the day for bonding and changing.

*Play and interact with you baby, while the baby is in the walker or playpen, etc...

*While your cleaning the house, sing songs or the abc's etc. Play peek-abo with your baby when you come in and out of the room.

*Find a way to give the baby small amounts of your attention to keep him/her happy and content...


Always remember, that your baby is fine with crying for a while... unless you know for sure the baby is hurt or hungry... etc.

Good luck... hope some other moms can give you some good advice as well. Take care! Don't give up!

___________________________

I noticed alot of mothers say its good to always hold your baby and bond... ya but thats ok when you do nothing all day and have someone to do things for you. Come on now, You can not sit and hold a baby the majority of the day and then expect to get anything done in your home. And yes babies can entertain themselves at 6 months old... for small amounts of time. That is what toys, swings, lights and sounds toys and etc... are for! They dont make those things for nothing...

Answer 2

A friend of mine and his wife is basically (whether or not she's willing to admit it) is going through the same thing. They just had baby #2 so I'm curious about how she adjusts. And you can see the stress that she's dealing with. I suggest (as they both ignore me) dropping your kid off someplace, specifically at a place where there are other children her age. If your church/religious group has a daycare or a place where young mothers can just take some time off, use it. The most important thing for you, your child, and your husband, is that you get your rest.

Answer 3

6 months is stll pretty young. His attention span is still very short. Giving him the attention he needs now gives him the confidence and assurance that the world is a nice place. So that when he does get old enough for more independent play, he'll be able to feel secure enough to explore his world on his own .Best Wishes...

Answer 4

i was in the same situation with my little one, and it was ruff you are going to just have to put him down from time to time and let him fuss about it make sure you give him some of his favorite things or things that will grab a little ones attention and just leave him be for a few minutes at a time extending the periods of time each time you do it after a while he will see that there are other things to do other than hold mommy down you might also try getting him involved with one of his toys or books and sneaking away after his attention in on what he is doing once he begins to crawl if he isnt already he will just start following you around and that will help to being mobile really helped my little one she didnt feel like i was leaving her alone anymore because she could be where mommy was

Answer 5

Maybe you could try sitting him on the floor and giving him some toys and instead of playing with him just sit and watch him instead. That way he'll learn that even though he's doing things himself, mommy is still there. Eventually you won't have to sit next to him while he plays and you'll be able to walk around (still in his sight though). And later on he'll be fine even if he can't see where you are..it all takes time but no need to worry :)

Answer 6

He's 6 months old, he can't entertain himself! How do you suggest he less dependent on you when you are all he has and knows? C'mon now, be realistic.

You've got several years to go before a child can "entertain himself."

Nap times are all you're gonna have for quite a while. Plan accordingly.

Answer 7

A swing is a good option or get a sling and carry him with you so you can bond and do chores!! Babies thrive on attention at that age so you really don't want to leave him on his own for long.

Answer 8

well if you have any sisters are brothers that have children the same age or maybe even a girlfriend that you have bring there kids over and let them met and put them in a play pen with safe toys and bring them snacks every once in a while just to check on them it would make things easier but god bless you with finding the solution :O)

Answer 9

Sit him in a playpen with some toys. He might fuss for awhile, but once he sees that you continue what you are doing, hopefully he will learn that he needs to sit and play for awhile by himself.
Or sit him on the floor next to you with odds and ends of things to keep himself busy. One thing that I did with my daughter, is I put her in her high chair and put a little bit of water on the high chair table and she kept busy splashing the water.
The person who answered above me obviously doesn't know what she is talking about, or have any kids of her own.

Answer 10

I think 6months is a bit young to be left unattended to play. keep your child near you and play with him and as he grows and matures he will move on to his own independence at his pace.
you can never hold your children too much. it encourages brain "growth" and leads to a more stable person in the longrun.