Your opinion on letting a child entertain themselves? What age?

Question

I have been seeing some debates recently about letting your child entertain themselves so as they do not depend on you as they get bigger & can do stuff for themselves when they get bored. Some people were saying that if *you* provide the entertainment all the time that they will come to depend on the fact that they can sit back & let the world entertain them, never learning how to play "pretend" or work with what they have. Others were saying that if you do not stimulate your child, it will lead to a slower development & they will feel neglected. What's your opinion & what age (if you think they should entertain themselves) do you think parents should start letting them do so?

My son will be turning 6 months soon & if I even set him down for just a second & walk away, he starts to cry. I know he's not ready for the seperation. I can sit next to him & he will play with his toys, but if he looks up & I'm gone that's when he will have a fit.

I wasn't meaning my son, I just meant in general. I have all the extra time in the world to play with him & now & want to. I'm somewhere in the middle, my personal opinion is start letting them entertain themselves when they become toddlers, not infants. & I never leave him ALONE, just on a blanket on the floor with me in the same room, I'm just saying that if he doesn't *see* me he flips out.

Answer 1

I think children should have to entertain themselves. Parents should provide ideas, "Why don't you play make believe, or play with these dolls or go outside and play with a ball"... but plunking them in front of a TV or turning yourself into a 24/7 entertainer isn't going to develop their creativity and ability to self satisfy.

Ooo... a 6 month old, that's quite a bit different than I was thinking. They do have attachment issues at that age and you can't just leave them alone to entertain themselves. Your child doesn't really have the skills to entertain himself yet, so you stimulating his mind is extremely important. It can be something as simple as singing to him while he sits near you while you work, or getting some bright coloured toys and shapes for him to fiddle with.

Answer 2

O my, a baby can entertain themselved for about 15 mins per new toy. My son has been hanging out in his jumper since he was 4months. There are times when you need to get things done around the house, make dinner, etc. I always make sure Im not just sitting with him watching TV or something, my time is spent singing to him, reading, introducing him to toys, going to the park and swinging ETC. Just enjoy your baby but if you are doing that daily dont feel guilty for not soending every minute with him... hey sometimes you may be able to rest too when (s)he is entertaining themselves. OH - to get them interested in playing alone, play with them for a minute and walk away when they are paying attention to it. The baby gyms work, Educational programs while in walker or saucer work too. Also you can play some classical music, my son is super receptive to it. GOOD LUCK

Answer 3

I think there has to be a balance of the two.My daughter is 2 years old now,and she plays well by herself,and when I am around.The thing is that when she was younger,I would stay in the room(reading the newspaper,or a book,or talking on the phone) while she played.Now that she is mobil,she will only stay in the room with me for brief moments,then she off to her room(where her things are)and plays alone for awhile.When she needs to see me or just wants toknow that I am still around,she comes to wherever I am,sometimes just long enough to see my face,then she's off again.Children don't always need to "see" that you are there,but just the sound of your voice, in another room will do.I was told that it is wise to tell a really young child that you are leaving the room,and where you will be so they don't become startled at your absence.I believe that every child is different and are ready for different things at different times.I follow my childs' lead.I pay close attention to her actions and interests,and cultivate them as they come up.Just "watch" your child,you will know when the time is right.

Answer 4

It's never too early to let your child entertain themselves. From babys on if a parent is the only provider of entertainment, children tend to be attached at the hip and school will be rough, then as teenagers rebell as they never had seperation from a parent. Also, when babys interact during play time solely with a parent they grow up trying to please the parent which creates all new problems. Let your baby learn and discover his environment with you in the background and when he starts to cry simply let him hear your voice reassuring him your there and he's ok. A couple of tries at this and he'll discover comfort in different realm beyond contact.

Answer 5

This is how babies are, and how my little girl was, especially. At that age, they're still pretty dependent on you, and it's important for them to know that you're there for them. I think you should spend as much time with your child as possible. In my opinion, they should be able to start playing by themselves around a year and a half or two. Six months is still way too young to leave a child alone because of choking hazards, etc. By the time they're in school and you're working all the time, you never have enough time to spend with them.

Answer 6

with both of my children I tried to provide a balance.
time for them to play by themselves on a blanket, or in a playpen if I was cleaning the floor. At young ages, like before one year old, they will tend to cry if they cannot see you, so I tried to keep them in view at all times.
Then I had times when I would play with them.
the truth is kids need both, time alone and time with parents, this in the future will help with
A child's ability to play on one's own, and be creative
and a child's ability to have a close relationship with the parents.

Answer 7

Not that young. You have to play with him most of the time. If you don't, it will just make him sad. The age to let your child entertain themselves is no earlier than 9 months-1 year. Half an hour will do, and then you can go back to playtime.

Answer 8

I don't know anything about any debates but I always gave my children some alone time.... I figured that you get tired of someone being around you 24/7 so a few breaks during the day is great for everyone... I started giving my children breaks when they could roll and push up on their own... I bought a few of those infant floor mobile things they worked wonders and it allowed me some free time... You should still keep a watchful eye on them though so they don't get hurt... I hope this helps...

Answer 9

i believe it's a lucky child who has a parent that is willing to spend time with them playing and learning. the parent can provide a stimulating and educational play time where learning can thrive. your child is feeling loved, nurtured and secure while having you close by while he plays. children need interaction with parents as they grow. as a child gets older it is appropriate to have more alone time to explore and discover the world around them. parents can still provide an educational enviroment condusive to learning. i believe they do need to be able to play on their own so they can use their imagination too and not always be dependent on a parent for entertainment.

Answer 10

By the time they are old enough to sit up without support they are usually old enough to sit and play by themselves. I don't think at 6 months you should just walk away from him, but I do think you should sit next to him while he plays or sit on the couch while he's on the floor. Always be at least in his sight until he's a bit older.