My son is 5 1/2 months old. My mother keeps saying that he needs to learn how to play by himself.. Everytime i do something, i just lay him down in the same room, and go about my business ( clean, etc ). Sometimes when i lay him down, he doesn't want to, or if i walk out of the room he'll fuss.. Thats why she thinks he needs to play by himself.. Your thoughs?
2007-09-08 13:19:55 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Totally normal. He is not spoiled.
A baby this size gets frustrated easily because he is wanting to get up and
'boogie' but can't manage it yet. So he depends on you or whoever is around to entertain him.
Laying him down in the room you are in is a good thing....also talking to him a lot while you move around and stopping often to give him a moment of attention is good.
Now, having said that, I might also add that it is a good idea to leave the room for short times often so he gets the idea that he is ok with you gone and that you will be back.
It is all just a part of the learning process and will smooth out when he can crawl around and have a more 'interesting' life.
2007-09-08 13:29:02 · answer #1 · answered by Puzzler 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As kids get older they do need to learn to entertain themselves a bit....but 5 1/2 months seems a little early. My son is 15 months old and has just over the past few months learned to play by himself some.....even so I'm only talking about 10 minutes or so. For the first year kids are learning to trust. He needs reassurance from you and I wouldn't rush anything past that. At around a year or so I'd start trying to help his independence along some. If it doesn't seem right to you than don't do it yet. All kids are different and he will let you know when he is ready for the next step.
2007-09-08 13:27:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's good practice to keep him where you can see him when he's awake. Developmentally, kids are always a couple of steps beyond where their parents think they are. As soon as he's mobile, he'll be able to get himself into all manner of trouble if a responsible older person isn't there to supervise. Plus, with 5-month-olds, it's out of sight, out of mind. He feels more secure when he know's you're there. On the other hand, you don't have to jump to entertain him every time he squeaks. Just acknowledge he's there in a cheerful voice: "Hi, sweetie, mommy's fixing some dinner for us and we'll play in a little while." As long as he's sleeping on his own a reasonable amount at night and a nap or two during the day, he can be social with you the rest of the time.
2007-09-08 13:30:33 · answer #3 · answered by Rainbow Connection 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
he is too young to know how to play by himself. i mean if you have some fun toys that can hang over him while he lays down or that he can grab that would help. also if he is sitting up put something right in front of him to grab but other than that if he is not happy, your really have to help him play. once he starts moving though, he will learn that. my daughter is 7 months and just started crawling and standing along furniture and is so content. i finally get to relax!!
2007-09-08 13:27:37 · answer #4 · answered by anne d 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This is really age and personality driven. Your son may never really be good at self entertainment. Only time will tell.
I don't believe you can spoil a baby. The more interaction you can give him at this age, the more his brain grows.
Blue's response above is totally inaccurate. Self amusement does not determine intelligence. I can tell you that my oldest son (8 years old) has never been good at this and he is very advanced in mathematics and reading.
2007-09-08 13:33:50 · answer #5 · answered by BoysMommy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
so you asked how...to accomplish this...i notice everyone here is telling you what not to do...so let me give you a few suggestions:
first of all it is ok to put the baby down and let him fuss...so do not worry about that.
second, turn on the radio or tv, so he can hear it while you are away.
if you are laying him in the crib or playpen...make sure he has a mobile or other stimuli above him.
make sure there are plenty of toys that he can possibly reach for (near him).
the idea with all of the above is to give him other stimuli other than u. things he can hear, see, reach for, vivid colors etc.
it is true that he will need to get use to amuzing himself ---and those children that do are much brighter than those that do not...so give him lots of stimuli...
good luck :)
2007-09-08 13:33:08 · answer #6 · answered by Blue October 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Get a little bouncer or something and put in a movie. Also put a few different toys in the room for him to play with. that should work.
2007-09-08 13:28:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is too young for that skill. He still needs you. He will learn to be more independent in a few months.
2007-09-08 13:23:13 · answer #8 · answered by sharkyincanada 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
leave him lay too long and he will get a flat bald back of the head. why did you have him if you weren't going to be involved on playing ,exercise and all that? he's your baby for pete sakes.
and give him my love since i can't
2007-09-08 13:24:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
He's not going to learn to play by himself if you keep picking him up everytime he fusses.
2007-09-08 13:25:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋