He only goes to school 3 hours a day, and I've run out of ideas, and don't always want to play non stop with him. Is it wrong of me to tell him to go play by himself alot?
2006-11-12 11:15:51 · 9 answers · asked by jessicalynn 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
AH, tough age! There are alot of great things to occupy him. Have you tried getting a bin, fill it with activities like puzzles, (large pieces) coloring books & crayons, cut out construction paper, have him match the colored construction paper with pictures you can draw of apples, bananas, etc. each day, have him pick out 1 project, so he doesn't get bored everyday with the same thing.
It's not wrong to tell him to play by himself, just not EVERY time he looks for your attention. Explain to him you have things to do right now and show him the clock, show him a time, tell him what time it will be when you WILL play with him. At the same time, you will be teaching him, time, and patients. hope this helps! good luck!
2006-11-12 11:30:13 · answer #1 · answered by mom*2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like he needs a playgroup or even a friend. Do you have any girlfriends you can switch playdays with? Maybe one day for an hour and a half or so you can plan an activity for the two kids, then she can do it on her day. Or maybe you can take your kids to the park together.The occasional break will give you a refreshed look on mommyhood. If you have the money, 4 is also an age where kids can get involved in karate, piano, or other lessons. It's not bad to have him play by himself sometimes, but if done too often you can imagine how lonely it must be. It helps me to loosely schedule my day to balance my time and give myself time to recharge too.
2006-11-12 22:15:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you should be an active part of his growth and development. It is ok for him to play by himself sometimes, but make sure it is not too much. It is important for your child to spend some time alone. You should do things with him that will hlp him learn and grow. Don't just sit him in front of the tv. There are many ideas. You can play dramatic play (playing out real life things like kitchen, space man, etc.) or creative play (art and crafts) You can look in child magazines or on websites for ideas on what to do and how to play things with him. Some good websites with ideas are:
http://wondertime.go.com/create-and-play/
http://www.kidsites.com/sites-fun/activities.htm
http://familyfun.go.com/games/
2006-11-12 19:21:55 · answer #3 · answered by sg 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No its not wrong to encourage your child to play by himself. But if your looking for more together time games try taking you child on day trips! You'll be able to get out of the house and spend time with your son. Try kids pottery painting places, the zoo, swimming pool, recreation centers for drop in activities or even the mall! And if you're looking for more time to yourself try enrolling your child in a tumble time gymnastics program or a play group with other children of similar ages.
2006-11-12 19:43:11 · answer #4 · answered by T M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm in the exact same boat as you...my daughter plays alot by herself...I think it's good. But if you want to do something with him, this is what we do that passes time and she loves!!!
walks
park
play outside at all of any kind
bike rides
coloring together
arts and crafts, I get those kits at walmart to do fun things..or check out familyfun.com
playdoh
look at nickjr.com together
dance
go to a pet store, just to look at the animals
bake something
sometimes I get her involved with cleaning and laundry, which right now she wants to do...lol
we got our daughter a cat that keeps her busy as well. :)
hope that helps somewhat!
2006-11-12 19:21:12 · answer #5 · answered by Apple Blossom 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would play learning games with him. Show him how to write the abc's and then make him do it on his own. Try to show him how to make different shapes and let him do it. Yes it is ok for him to play by himself, that's how they learn how to be independant. That's what I do with my son as well. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
2006-11-12 19:27:11 · answer #6 · answered by mamaof2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buy a book called 101 things to make and do. its great for rainy day games. or teach him to cook, well cakes and stuff, or for a xmas theme make salt dough xmas ornaments by combining flour salt and water making shapes , baking them then use paint and glitter- hang on tree he will love it
2006-11-12 19:19:19 · answer #7 · answered by ed and ali x x x 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
teach him how to read and write , forget about playing games with him. educate him
2006-11-12 19:17:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take him to the playground, he'll love it and you can just chill:)
2006-11-12 21:08:04 · answer #9 · answered by supercarissa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋