My DS is 3. I've posted before that he has a hard time playing by himself. I have a 6-month-old DS and don't have as much time as before. I read books about parenting that said not to ignore your kids and spend time with them. I think I took it too seriously. This past Sunday we told him to go to his room and play by himself for a little while. Is that wrong? Should we do this on a regular basis? My DH is very interested in this and we both would appreciate any feedback. Thank you.

I really think it's a good idea for a child to learn to play alone and to learn that he doesn't always need other people around to be content. I also think that a child shouldn't always have to play with another sibling or constantly be sharing toys, but should be able to have some alone time when he can do his own activities. We all need some moments of solitary during the day.:-D

I really think it's a good idea for a child to learn to play alone and to learn that he doesn't always need other people around to be content. I also think that a child shouldn't always have to play with another sibling or constantly be sharing toys, but should be able to have some alone time when he can do his own activities. We all need some moments of solitary during the day.:-D

I agree. I usually set my kids up to play by themselves (they are 4.5 and 2 yo); if I am upstairs in my room or putting laundry away, I have them play in their room; if I am in the kitchen, I prefer that they (or least the youngest) stay in the living or dining room. I try to get different things that they can play with "together" but at their own levels; their kitchen is a good example of this, as well as art projects being an excellent source of independent activity. I just set them up and let them go nuts. With a 3 yo, I would shoot for 20-30 mins. at a time. HTH!!

I absolutely agree also that it's a great idea to have your child play by himself for snatches of time. I'd aim for about 30 mins, but depending on where he's at you may need to start smaller and work up to the half hour. Just make sure he's in a safe place and within earshot. It's an important skill for him to have.