Ugh, More Kids That Can’t Play

[cheerfuldom]

this just really baffles and frustrates me. this one is a 19 month old that has been here for three months and NEVER plays with anything. She is either whimpering or just standing there doing nothing. She does not participate in any activity either indoor or out. If you hand her a toy or book, she will not hold it and stares as if she has no idea what that is. nothing has peaked her interest yet. she doesnt seem distressed to be here although she rarely ever smiles. she is just completely uninterested in anything here at daycare. i know she has older siblings so i am guessing that she is entertained by them at home. i just dont understand a toddler that will not pick up or touch or play with anything. if she does show occasional interest in something, it is non toy items such as my craft/game storage cabinet or the lock on the back door

[nothingwithoutjoy]

if she does show occasional interest in something, it is non toy items such as my craft/game storage cabinet or the lock on the back door

What if you tried building on one of these non-toy interests? Would a lock board, or a basket of padlocks and keys peak her interest?

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

What if you tried building on one of these non-toy interests? Would a lock board, or a basket of padlocks and keys peak her interest?

That's a good idea. I do find it very strange and will forever find it strange.

[countrymom]

we have the same kid and mine is 18 months old. She just stands there and smiles at me. She also still doesn't talk. I really believe something is wrong with her. I also don't think anyone entertains her at home, this is why she just walks around. I've brought out the big legos and she just stands there (the others love them) the other kids try to include her but nothing. I do find that she does bad things even thou I tell her over and over again not to do it and redirect her. Like she is always taking down the same game, and opening up the same cupboard, but she won't touch anything else. Its wierd and I have another dcm (we are good friends and she lives down the street from dcg) also has noticed the same thing.

[cheerfuldom]

What if you tried building on one of these non-toy interests? Would a lock board, or a basket of padlocks and keys peak her interest?

We had a discovery board that my husband made that hangs in the playroom. It has knobs and all sorts of things on it and she has never touched it.

[SilverSabre25]

I swear part of this is age--look you guys all mentioned kids that are around 1.5. I find this all the time with ones. They dont' play, don't like toys, and prefer anything in their environment that is NOT a toy. It changes eventually.

Not to say all kids are like this, but one and a halfs sure are IME. And of course there are older kids that can't/don't/won't play too. But 1.5 is a weird age i haven't figured out how to engage yet. I have one who has been here for almost a year, since he was 6 months old, and the past two months or so he doesn't play. I've posted/vented about him a few times.