Do Your Kids Play?

[Checkinkids.com]

Too much structure?

When I was doing daycare I noticed this quite a bit. I think it is because kids are too hovered and have too much structure play/tv. The problem with daycare play is that whenever I'd try to let them just free play, one of them would always get into something bad or push or bite or whatever. So the only way to avoid problems was to have a very structured day moving from one activity to the next. Very tiring. ...I think it's normal to play as a character of TV shows though. I spent alot of time as HE-MAN and the Hulk when I was a kid.

[Meli3773]

I have also found that little ones don't know how to "play". It seems that they are getting constant undivided attention from their parents. With my own children, I bought them educational toys, I showed them how to use them, and played with them. BUT, if I needed to get things done then they knew I expected them to play and entertain themselves. I taught them how to do this. It saves your sanity! I know all children are different, so I don't expect the same thing out of each one but it's still best to teach them these skills.

My DC kids are all only children, so they do get extra attention it seems. I have a 2 1/2 yr old that is constantly saying "look at (this or that)"! I get the impression they must praise every little thing he does. And my 18 month old girl would rather just sit on your lap and do nothing just to get attention rather than play. I know for a fact the she is not starved for attention. This DCM has told me multiple times "I just want her happy" so this little girl basically gets everything she wants. I feel bad because I feel like I'm the one who has to give them tough love. I'm constantly telling all the kids to go play. I try to be honest with the parents and let them know what how their child's day went and what would help make their child happier here in hopes that they will make some changes. It's really difficult and it feels like you are fighting an uphill battle.

[SignMeUp]

I agree with Lawson!

None of my families do a ton of TV. Some nearly none at all. The kids I have had who wouldn't play were only children whose moms spent a ton of time with them, did lots of classes, and did not expect their kids to play alone. These kids also had the least self help skills, could not put on their own clothing without help, and had "I can't" attitudes. But they were very verbal and great eaters, since the worried moms always served healthy, organic whole foods!

I've had these families too. The moms wear their children's helplessness like a badge of good motherhood. If your child is still in a crib at three, still breastfeeds at three, or drinks a warm bottle of milk before bed, doesn't know how to push an arm through a sleeve, etc., it is because you are an awesome parent who sacrifices all to make it right for your child ::