Child That Doesn't Play

[knoxmomof2]

And getting busy myself just leads to him running over and demanding to go where ever I am or demanding to be picked up. He wants to be constantly entertained and to be the total and complete center of attention at all times.

With a child that age, just say "no thank you, I have cleaning to do and you have playing to do" or "my job right now is to clean and yours is to play. Go find a toy". Other than terming, repetition is your only hope here. Some are harder to teach than others. I don't pick up kids that old unless they need to be put somewhere they can't get to on their own, or they truly need some attention (like they're hurt or sad or scared), or I feel like picking them up and taking a minute with them. My body is my own just like theirs is their own and I don't do things because a child demands that I do. Just keep on keepin' on!

[knoxmomof2]

I just read the other replies. If it seems like there is more going on, you might suggest an evaluation for him. It's a hard conversation to have with the parents, but you can just say "things may be just fine, but I'm seeing some behaviors that are concerning me. I don't feel like he's able to get the full benefit of his time here when this or that is happening and I'm unable to get his interest despite all of my experience with little ones." Something like that.

[Heidi]

I just read the other replies. If it seems like there is more going on, you might suggest an evaluation for him. It's a hard conversation to have with the parents, but you can just say "things may be just fine, but I'm seeing some behaviors that are concerning me. I don't feel like he's able to get the full benefit of his time here when this or that is happening and I'm unable to get his interest despite all of my experience with little ones." Something like that.

I agree.

It does sound like something could be going on. It makes me sad for him too; whether due to personality or other reason, I think it's got to be confusing to him, too!

It makes me think of being in a foreign country where you don't speak the language. People are talking to you, pointing and smiling, but you just don't get it. Finally, your loved one comes to take you home, only to take you back the next day.

OP, you stated that he wants your attention, but what does he want you to DO? Does he make eye contact, want you to sing to him or read to him or play with him? Or does he just want you to be next to him?

Here is an article I found. Do you see him in any of these kiddos?

https://ccie-catalog.s3.amazonaws.com/library/5022138.pdf

[gonecrazy]

I agree.

It does sound like something could be going on. It makes me sad for him too; whether due to personality or other reason, I think it's got to be confusing to him, too!

It makes me think of being in a foreign country where you don't speak the language. People are talking to you, pointing and smiling, but you just don't get it. Finally, your loved one comes to take you home, only to take you back the next day.

OP, you stated that he wants your attention, but what does he want you to DO? Does he make eye contact, want you to sing to him or read to him or play with him? Or does he just want you to be next to him?

Here is an article I found. Do you see him in any of these kiddos?

https://ccie-catalog.s3.amazonaws.co...ry/5022138.pdf

It's not so much that he wants me to do anything with or for him. He just doesn't want me to do anything else LOL.

[Mom2Two]

Yeah, I'm with the others who are thinking developmental delays.

"All healthy, young mammals play."

Some kids have more creative ideas than others, but they learn from each other. They are always watching what the other kids do and try it out themselves.

DD has/had delays and she was in SPED Pre-K when she was 3 and also 4. When she was 3 she was almost just a warm body at the preschool. She's doing much better now, but for myself, from watching other kids who have come through here, a child who doesn't play probably has some developmental issues.

[Ariana]

I don't think the tv has anything to do with it. I raised my own kids with the tv on most all the time (hubby is addicted LOL) and they are two of the smartest, most well rounded, well functioning adults I know. Same with all of the other daycare families I have had over the years. I think his issues are just that...his issues. He is this way with or without the tv on. We haven't had it on all day and he has barely moved all day. We had it on all day Tuesday and he barely moved all day. I also have very few toys that make noise. I think all that I have are vehicles like a Little People airplane, etc. We have no tablets, etc. I do vehicles of all kinds, basic dolls, Legos, etc. He is used to big entertainment at home. He actually asks his mom every evening "what we gonna do today?" They are NEVER home. She takes him to visit someone, to town, for a ride on some type of something they own every single evening and on weekends.

I think tv today is way different than tv back then! Not sure how old your kids are though. Nowadays kids have their own stations with on demand programming and the shows are faster paced with more flashing scenes (this is all research based not my opinion). Tv can affect kids in many different ways so even if it did not affect your kids doesn’t mean it does not affect kids (again just based on research). I also meant button pressing toys at home that he is used to. The kids I have all play with buttons and lights at home and I don’t have any of that here so they don’t know what to do with themselves.

Being continuously entertained by mom might also be an issues but like others have said there might be a delay. I always go with my gut instinct, as it can be really hard to figure out what is going on from a description online!