Quote Originally Posted by AmandaKDT View Post
I think this fits under the "every child is different" (developmentally, socially, emotionally) category, not necessarily that they are an AP home or only child, etc. Some kids don't care if there is an adult/parent close by, and others have a really hard time with this. Heading off to a totally different part of the house, out of sight, and expecting a 2 year old to be totally content with this is a big expectation.

You might need to either lower your expectations or alter how you do your chores during the day.

Having only two kids, expecially both under 3, can make it harder for them to keep themselves busy for long periods of time independently.
But as I noted our main floor is open concept. She can see me from the majority of the main floor including the room where I keep the majority of the toys. I also sit in the room they are in to fold laundry and such. Even with me in the room she stands there looking lost.

It is not just her not being comfortable with being alone...that could very well be part of it. But, I can sit and pull out an activity (say the trains) help set it up...slide back and read and she just sits staring at it like she doesn't know what to do. She will hold a train and sit. She seemingly gets no enjoyment out of play. This is a concern. This is what I am addressing...is this 'normal' with this age group in other's experience because to me it is concerning and needs to be addressed.


I don't think changing the expectation that a 2.5 yr old is to play on their own helps matters any.

I could sit and read more books in the room she is in...but that doesn't get her playing anymore than my being in another part of the house cleaning. She is still standing/sitting around, playing for a minute or two in a rigid manner then back to coming to tell me what I am doing and that she needs to go play. She knows to go play but she doesn't know how.

I am wondering if this is more the norm for this age in which case we'll just continue as is and over time she'll learn. If it is not the norm and most kids this age can go off and play freely then I will need to look at why she can't and try to aid her in gaining that ability. If it is related to how the parents interact with her and don't give her that freedom then it will be a different approach than if she has delay or anxiety or whatnot. I see no benefit from sitting side by side with a 2.5yr old all day. That will just keep the problem going. Kids are meant to play...they NEED to let the world go and just get lost in make believe play, in re-enacting their life, in being able to enjoy the freedom of play. They have the rest of their lives to be directed in everything they do!