Toddler Won't Play

[SilverSabre25]

It seems like this isn't an unusual problem for me, so maybe it's age related. But this child is challenging me more than usual and I think I need to change my approach for him.

He's 13 months old. Walking well. Definitely a toddler. I have an infant, and then a 2 yo, a 4 yo (the 13 mo's brother), and my own 5.5 year old. But the 13 mo will. Not. Play. He spends most his awake time either trying to get to things he shouldn't, being in things he shouldn't, or crying because I've cut off all access to things he shouldn't have/do.

Daycare is on two levels. Both have adequate materials for all my ages, biased a bit towards the younger side because of the 2 yo. There's PLENTY for him to play with. But I feel like I'm missing stuff? Maybe?

How do you handle kids like this, that just don't play? (of course as I type this, he's playing, go figure)

[Blackcat31]

In situations like this I buddy them up.

Have one of your older kids play (role model) with him.

Doesn't have to be all day, just a few activities here and there.

Once you've done that for a few days, set him free to play on his own.

He has a sibling so I am sure he knows how to play but has figured out he gets more attention by getting into things he isn't suppose to.

Little buggers... they are so much smarter than we give them credit for.