[BaduBJ]

My son is 17 months old, and very active. I am trying to encourage him to play by himself more, as i'm expecting number 2 in 4 months. He likes to do whatever i do, but if i leave the room he will drop what he's doing and follow me. Also, if he can't do or doesn't want to do what i'm doing he will try to stop me by misbehaving

[Lainskii]

I think it is an age thing, as they mature thy are more comfortable to be left alone for short periods and have the ability to play on their own more. I noticed it more when my dd turned 2 and now at 26 months will play on her own for 10 to 15 or so minutes but still likes me near. If I explain tht I'm going somewhere briefly she is usuallly ok. No ideas on how to encourage him as I never really found anything tht worked but someone else my have more advice.

[CherryAmes]

I've been leaving my bub in her playroom (ie spare room with a gate across the door) since she was about 10mths old, and she is now at 18mths mostly happy to play in there for up to half an hour, esp if I have a CD playing (obviously I am checking up on her frequently, but we have a small house so I can pretty much see her from every room).

Do you have any space like that where your child 'has' to stay by himself? I find that she whinges initially but then happily plays with her toys. I use that time to do the housework, then take her outside or play with her elsewhere.

[Gerbra Girl]

I find if I tell my 21 month old DS where I am going and what I am doing then some of the time he will remain playing by himself and some of the time he will just come with me to "help". If I do not tell him then he runs after me.

If he comes with me then usually he brings a toy or book and continues playing by himself where I move to but he just needs to see me.

[heatherdv]

my DS is 17 months also and its a very similar situation. rather than play by himself he will bring books to me to read to him or he will grab my hand and pull me along with him to where he wants to play.

one thing i've really missed is being able to shower alone, so the other day i put a selection of food on the coffee table, put on the wiggles and had a shower with the bathrooom door open. DS popped his head in to see what i was doing, then happily went back to his breakfast buffet and tv.

also i find him a lot less clingy when we are outdoors, in fact its usually me chasing around after him then