Playtime for 6 1/2 Month Old

Hello- I have 3 children 6 years, 4 years and 22 months now.. I always kind of wondered about that too. But I learned it is so important for them to play alone. They learn independence, discovery time and time to be alone. You are not a bad mom, but I would say give hime some time in the swing, exersaucer etc.. too.. also tummy time. We took a lot of walks at that age, trips to the park, perhaps he might be ready for the swing soon, look at the ducks in the pond, etc. discover the world, it';s a great innocent time for them to learn eveything around them., also i did story time just to give them time around other babies, my house was always so quiet when I just had my first, we played alot of music in the house, read books, use this time to relax and enjoy, and in between feedings and naps etc. good luck and you are doing a great job I am sure of it.

Studies show that kids who are left to play on their own develop broader imaginations and are more creative. Over scheduling activities actually hinders this and effects them negatively in school as they grow up, as they are prone to more stress and less independence. Let him guide you as to how much is too much. If he's content let him play. he'll tell you when he's had enough. It's a good thing to teach your child to not be solely dependent on you for entertainment.

It's okay to let him play on his own. Some days my five month old enjoys playing on his own and can entertain himself while i make and then eat dinner other days he needs constant attention. The days he needs constant attention he's generally fussier than normal. On days he plays on his own he's just very content and can go with the flow. I like when I'm able to check my email real quick while he happily gums the closest thing in reach!

Your baby will let you know when he needs attention. If he is happy playing by himself, then let him be! It gives you a break and learning to play alone is very valuable. I always made sure to read to my baby a couple of times a day and play music daily. Also, make sure you are exposing him to different types of toys with different textures, sounds, colors, ect. It sounds like you are doing a great job. Do not feel guilty about letting your baby play alone, it will not hurt him.

Hi M.- As a mom of 4- I say he needs as much alone play time as he enjoys. Looking back I was also a VERY overstimulating, guilt ridden mommy of a very happy daughter. I read to her OFTEN at 1 week etc. and continued my overattention through her toddler years. She would have been fine with me out of her face for a while but I was paranoid. She is still my child who now want a lot of attention.

My second daughter did not want my attention- she was a child who needed more alone time (at 7 she still does). I followed the leads that my third and fourth child took. If they are happy alone- let them be not only is it time for you to reflect, read, cook a meal etc. It is valuable time for them to decompress from all that this overstimulationg world throws at them!
Your baby will be happy if you are!
Beth

He'll let you know when he needs you again. Just let him play alone for as long as he likes or as long as you are comfortable. He'll tell you when you need to jump in. It's really a great thing when a child can entertain him/herself for a period of time. You still need a time to do your own thing too, and it's hard to get time to yourself, to do chores, make a meal,etc with a young baby. Don't feel guilty. Feel proud he can entertain himself! He's learning alot on his own!

as much as possible honestly! I run a home daycare and in spring 07 I took a college class on infant brain development. It is VERY important that you talk to him, sing to him, have him use all his senses to explore, but it is also just as important for you to let him explore on his own. The more you can leave him in a safe place to play and he plays the better for his independence. Use meals, diaper changes, baths and cloth changing times to do your together play time and then the rest of the day should be filled with solid naps and independent play. I kinda sandwich the meals and diaper changes in between little "lessons" and the rest of the time is pretty much independent play.

If they get a new toy make sure you show them the things it can do then let them do what they will/can with it.

The key to this type of fostering independence is controlling the environment. So, make sure the play space is soft and safe.

N.

I think the key is to be available and to read him. When he is getting tired or overwhelmed by playing, help him move on to a nap or food or whatever. Be there to help so he doesn't get frusterated. But as long as he is playing and happy, that is great! A child that young just needs you to respond to their needs when they have them. The need to play and explore on his own is important.