My friend has a high needs 3 year old and a new born, about 7 weeks. She has recently taken the 3 year old out of daycare.

He has always required a lot of individual attention and wants her to play with him. She's spending a lot of time during the day just playing and needs suggestions as to how to get him to play more independently.

Here were my suggestions to her:

Cut his toys in half and rotate on a monthly basis.

Take him outside while baby is sleeping at least an hour everyday. Hot days are good days for water play ~ tire him out physically.

Make a rewards chart for good behaviour - when he plays well on his own he gets a sticker.

Engage and leave strategy, get him involved in an activity and leave him on his own to play. Tell him "You play on your own for a few minutes, Mommy will be back in a few minutes". Reward, reward, reward for playing on his own, really build it up. Gradually extend the amount of time you are away.

Nip bad behaviour in the bud, time outs for acting out.

Do you ladies have any thoughts to add, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks

By Kim on Friday, July 21, 2006 - 07:55 am:

Thoise are good ones! I will have to try and remember what I used to do.....I come back to this post. I hope you get some more suggestions!