How do I get my 10 1/2 month old to entertain herself?

Question

My daughter used to be very good at entertaining herself while I get stuff done around the house, but now she has gotten so attached to me that she either has to be held by me or I have to be right next to her and entertain her constantly. I love that she likes to spend time with me, but I can't get anything done. How do I help her to start entertaining herself again?

Answer 1

We have Baby Enstein DVD's and I feel less guilty when I put those on and have to get some things done. (Noggin is a good cable channel, too.) My daughter is 18 months now and I think it's helped her language skills. She can do sounds of many animals and her comprehension is great. Most of them are around 25 minutes long. They have one for baby signs, too, which is great for our toddler in communicating. Good luck.

Answer 2

i would not put a 10 1/2 mon. old in front of the t.v. at all. it is not good for their brain. my baby has always been able to entertain herself and still does but does cry if we leave the room. i tell her i will be right back and then follow through. seperation anxiety starts around this age. now to get your daughter to play by herself again i would make sure you have a couple baskets of toys that you can have for each room. take her with you if you have to to each room but then set her up with a few toys while you are doing something else. my 10 1/2 mon. old wont use her exersaucer any more but you could try that. we have a small house and in each room i have a basket of books or toys and and my daughter plays by herself. i might sit with her for a min. and then do my own thing while she can still see me. it must be frustrating but try not to get sucked into having to entertain her constantly.she will get through this stage and wont need you as much! do what you need to do and let her cry just a little bit reassuring her with your voice that you will be right back. even if you have to sit with her and read a magazine while she plays for a short time by herself or fold laundry while you sit with her. good luck! i remember this stage with my older daughter and she is 6 now and totally entertains herself,it didnt last to long.

Answer 3

Most babies go through a clingy stage my son just started his at 2 years old! What I do is I sit and play with him get him fully engaged in a toy and then leave, he is so into the toy that he doesn't notice I have gotten up. Not sure if this will work with a ten month old but its worth a shot. I do agree with the first answer too. Baby Einstein is wonderful. My son knows over 40 signs and I only taught him about 10 of them!

Answer 4

Trying new things with her, set her on the floor with a bunch of pots and pans and wooden spoons. Crayola makes these markers that only show up on special paper!!!! Those were a savior for me, when my son was 1 he loved to "color." Needless to say he was coloring my walls and furniture more than his books. . Another thing is tupperware bowls with lids, my kids used to love to take the lids off and on or stack them. Sorry, this usually makes a mess of your kitchen or dining room floor but it is so worth it when you can get other household things done.

Answer 5

Contrary to the so-called experts (whom I bet never had children or experienced what it is like to cope with them), put them in front of the TV.

If that doesn't work, and it is about separation anxiety, then put on a video of yourself or your family (if you don't have one, make it a point of having one done, with you reading to the child, singing lullibies, etc., which could also work for future children).

Let's hope that works.

Answer 6

If your in the kitchen cleaning have some of her toys in one corner,tell her that she has to play there till you get your work do that way she is with you but not under your feet, this way you can over time move her in to a different room, while you are in one room