Have You Ever Had A Child That Didn't Fit?

[LaLa714]

I agree on some points the nanny had to say. However, she may really be bored. I would give it some time and giver her some space to see what happens. My 3 year old is light years away from any two year old. She will be four in july. She is my middle child and is very bright. She doesn't like to play with the baby for long periods of time.

[DBug]

I totally agree. If she is choosing to sit and do nothing, that's completely her own choice. Since you've got toys and activities for her to do I don't think there's any reason to get involved. She'll learn to occupy herself ... eventually .

[Blackcat31]

Boredom is a self-inflicted injury

[SilverSabre25]

For a change, I do agree completely with Nannyde. The girl needs to learn how to play, how to entertain herself, how to be free. I don't do structured stuff because kids are going to spend enough of their lives being structured, and the ability to "find something to do" is SUCH an important life skill.

Don't try to force her to play WITH the other kids--that might feel too confining/intimidating/scary. Let her know that she can play on her own.

[My Lil' Monkeys]

I want to Thank All of you for your replies!! She is doing better and I just started going on with my day and she kinda joined in. She still gets bored "or sits without playing" around 11:30 - which is when I start making lunch so I just put an educational show on for the group (who really doesn't watch). I did realize what Nannyde said - that she has only been entertained by older people and that letting her be she would learn to play with the younger kids. I don't allow her to sit on the couch anymore and if she wants to sit she has to do it on the floor.

Nannyde - you nailed it on the spot!! I try to fix everything and when it came to her, I wanted her to be included and tried to fix it for her. Your very right, she will learn to play -- because I'm sorry I'm not going to entertain her for 10 hrs a day. I was also really worried that she was going home and complaining to mom that she didn't like it here, but Mom says she comes home and tells everyone how she loves it here and has so much fun!

SandeeAR - She is the youngest of 4 older sisters. I don't think she had a clue on how to play by herself or with younger kids. In the past 2 days she has done more playing by herself but it's a lot better than her sitting for 2+ hrs a day doing nothing.

SilverSabre25 - I don't force her to play with anyone. I pull out a lot of different toys and give all the kids a chance to play all morning. I do read, sing, put music on and dance with them but I want them to learn to play together or by themselves.