Imagination Play

I usually will sit down and start playing something. When the kids get involved, I say "I have to go...." put something in there. "I have to put the dishes in the dishwasher, I'll be back in a minute". That's what I did with my oldest. She would stay and play for a little bit. I just would make my gone time a little longer each time. Takes a while, and it's a pain in the bum to continue to be teathered to them, but if you go slow it should work.

This is pretty normal, but maddening, I know.
Using the TV is actually counterproductive for encouraging independence, I have learned. It really trains children to be passive and expect to be entertained with no effort on their part. The more often the TV is on at my house, the less able my children are to find something imaginative to do. When TV has been limited and we've been busy doing other things, the whole world of play suddenly opens up to them. The TV is no better than asking a stranger to baby-sit, so try to think of other options and then use a TV show only as a last resort.
You didn't mention how old your children are, but involving them in chores may make them seem less mumerous as they hang out around you. I fold laundry on my bedroom floor and then send my three kids on "errands" to put away the folded laundry in various drawers. They are running back and forth and learning to work, I'm getting a breather a moment at a time, and a chore is getting done. My kids are 7, 4, and 18 months and they can help a lot with moving laundry, wiping off counters, phones and light switches, vacuuming, taking out trash, taking care of pets. . . the busier I keep them the less intrusive they seem.
Sometimes a need just can't go away until it's been completely filled. Perhaps giving them a heavy dose of loving attention would curb the following a bit-- you could read to them or play a game or let them help you make lunch, and then when they are happy and mellow say,"OK, I need to go lay down/use the restroom/do a mom-only job so you can either read books or play with toys, but you need to stay happy and quiet," or something like that. This works with my kids as long as they really are content and I don't do this too often.
Honestly, what changed my mind about children following me around was having an attitude shift. I'm not just saying "suck it up," but deciding not to be bothered by the presence of the people who are looking to me as an example really helped me a lot. I realized that I was a mom before anything else, and the children were not interrupting me doing the chores, but the chores were interrupting my mothering. So, if I combined chores and mothering, I was much less resentful of the children's presence. Also, even though I am *not* a morning person, I now get up a lot earlier than I used to so I can go to the gym and have an hour or so to myself without any little "helpers" to kind of ready myself for the day of mothering. This has helped my patience level a lot.
Finally, the book "Hold On To Your Kids" by Dr. Gordon Neufeld was a revelation to me. He talks about principles of healthy inter-personal attachment, and made me realize that my children wanting to be with me was a sign of healthy, loving attachment, and if I fostered that relationship discipline issues would be minimized. Often parents will push their young children away and encourage isolation and independence and then wonder why the same kids shut them out in favor of peer relationships when they become teen-agers. I highly recommend that book--it's probably at your library and is so motivating (but not unrealistic!) about how and why to maintan a healthy relationship with your children by investing in attachment early.
Best wishes!

Do they every play just amongst themselves? Since there is 3 of them, I imagine they must play together?

But I'm sure it must be real hard. My daughter, was a little like that... although she did play/imagination play and think up things on her own, she always wanted ME to play WITH her all the time. Versus my son is lots more independent and will play on his own.

I guess, routinely tell them that Mommy has things to do, then go and do it. Tell them that they need to play by themselves. But if they need you, you are right there. Try explaining that everyone has things to do... perhaps, give the older kids some "chores" to do... simply ones that are age appropriate. The point being, not that they do it "perfectly" ... but just to keep them busy and learn the value of keeping busy. Tell them do do something, like wipe the tables, give them the things for it... and show them how, then let them do it. Then walk away, maybe being where you an see them, but then tell them "Mommy is here doing MY chores.... we will all work on our own chores now. " Then prompt them and tell them that after that, they need to sit down and work on a puzzle or drawing "For Mommy...." and then put out the paper and crayons on a table... The point being for YOU.. that you are telling them in advance WHAT they need to do... and what to do NEXT. So that they don't come to you every second asking you what next. Meanwhile, you set up everything and get out what they will need for their "activities" and then let them do it. In their own way.. but hopefully it will keep them busy, too.

Just an idea. But it may take lots of repetition... and your repeating yourself, for them to get the idea, and then get used to doing things on their own.

Or, perhaps try this: tell them that Mommy has to do "work"... and then sit down and open a magazine or read the mail etc. Something that will take time. Then DO NOT TURN ON the TV. Just sit and DO your "work." No talking or engaging with them. If they try to sit in your lap, tell them no, you are "working." The idea is: they may eventually get BORED "waiting" for you to finish YOUR "work." But just keep doing your "work." THEN, tell them, well if you are bored etc., then play with something... "Mommy is busy and can't right now.... and I need to concentrate so don't follow me around..."
Or tell them, "Mommy needs to rest right now... please go over there and let me have some quiet time.." then do so. But of course where you can see/hear them. And if they need to, they can call you. But try to get them used to the idea... then perhaps they will learn to put into action... the idea of playing with something on their own, or playing together.

Or, you might have to really structure them... have a "schedule" and make a routine for everyday, with an egg-timer... and so they know what to do WHEN.

Or if you find it unusual that they do not play by themselves, nor are able to, nor do any imaginary play... perhaps talk to your Pediatrician.

All the best,
Susan

I have the same problem with my 4 year old girl. I have a boy who is 6 now, and he was soooooo very different. Would play with the Little People toys, build with blocks, etc. She can't keep herself busy for more than 2 minutes - she is like my shadow. The only suggestion I have (but I have to admit, it did not work with my daughter, but I am still continuing to try it) - it is something I saw on that Nanny show with the woman from England, Jo (I can't remember the name of the show now). She suggested something called play and go - you set them up with something, be it a doll house, a craft, etc, play with them for a few minutes, and then kind of sneak away, and on the show, the girls kept playing. Might be worth a try for you....