How do you teach kids to "entertain themselves"?

Question

My own kids are 6 and they can entertain themselves pretty well. They play with Transformers for hours, thhey watch tv or play video games quietly, they make up games together. I think part of this is because they are twins, and they have each other.

BUT... the 6 year old that I take care of (I'm a nanny during the day), has no idea how to entertain himself. I don't feel like my job as his nanny is to play with him every moment of the day. He doesn't need that much attention, and I don't think it's good for kids to have that much attention. We play games and read stories, and play soccer in backyard. But whenever I tell him I have something to do (like make lunch or clean up) or just when I need a break and that he needs to just go and play; all he does is just lie on the floor doing nothing, or he starts being really loud and annoying and basically getting into trouble.

So how do we teach kids to entertain themselves, use their imagination?

1st answer: he's 6 years old! not 6 months old

Answer 1

It is a shame that his parents have chosen to let someone else raise their child. That being said, don't expect Rome to be built in a day. Perhaps try making a loose schedule w/ him...Say something like, "We will read and play soccer for an hour, an then you will play with your puzzle for 15 min. while I make snack." Continue this way throughout the day. Eventually, you should be able to work into a nice little routine of breaks for yourself and individual play time for the little one. If you set actual limits of time, that he can count on - either way - then I think he will feel more secure and you will be happier. You have a chance to make a difference in someones life...what a blessing!

Answer 2

Maybe he's not used to playing on his own. You could try building his stamina for independent playing. First give him a specific activity to try for just 5 minutes at a time. You could pull out a coloring book or some building blocks or whatever he is into. Actually sit down with him and "play" with him for a few minutes just to get him started. Then maybe give him a problem to solve or a specific thing to do (like see how high he can stack the blocks or see if he can figure out how to make a barn.) Then get up and leave. If he tries to follow you, or complains, tell him you'll be right back, and when you get back, you want to see how high his tower is.

Try this over and over, and eventually you should be able to leave him for longer and longer. Just remember, that a 6-year olds attention span for playing independently is probably about 30 minutes, tops. So if you're expecting him to play longer than this, both of you are only going to get frustrated.

Hang in there! It just takes time. Good luck!

Answer 3

Perhaps because he really doesn't know how to. As a nanny maybe you should pay just a little bit more attention for his time? You can ask him what does he want and improvise from there.

And you have twins close to his age, maybe you can adopt their way of entertaining themselves and teach him how. Or even invite them to play with him because maybe all he needs are companions.

I think its a crime really, to just leave a kid alone, especially a 6 year old. They are still so young. Slowly but surely they can learn to be independent on their own. Different kids have different habits due to their environment.

Answer 4

There are 7 senses to work with...

If he's being loud and annoying, let him play outside. Or pick up the book, "The Out of Sync Child has Fun." It will give you great ideas of things to set up for independent play, and can keep him quiet and un-annoying.

Answer 5

Good morning,Clo !!! I totally think that is one of the best Ideas I've heard in a while!! After all...you want to look beautiful when you see the in-laws,Right???Point that out...You are doing it for HIM !!! LOL !! Anyway, he needs to spend some QUALITY time with his children. Hence the words"Fathers DAY" !!! HUGS!!!!

Answer 6

I'd try to give him lots of 'stuff' like empty boxes, balls, any object that is safe. Try using all five senses with him. Use the box for a drum, paint on it, put your ear against it, write on it. See which of the senses he seems to respond to the most. Then think of an activity that uses that sense.