Help - how can I get my toddler to play independently

I recently saw a video of 19 month old playing with various open ended toys, each one for 20-40 minutes.

My toddler can just about manage a few minutes before either asking me to play or giving up and moving on to the next thing. I'm a sahm so I'm with her every day but we go to at least 3 stay and play playgroups a week and she will happily play on her own.

I often start an activity but she just wants me to do everything. as soon as I stop she will walk off or if I sit on the sofa she will stop and just sit on my lap. I know I have to play with her but I don't want to spend the entire day playing with her watching and I don't know how else to encourage independant play.

We have blocks, tiles, animals, rainbows, cleaning sets, books, water table, kitchen etc. she will not attempt any type of puzzle which worries me a bit.

The only thing she will do independently for more than a few minutes is drawing. I'm having another baby soon and I'm worried she won't be able to cope without my attention.

Help 🙃

in our community

Settle the debate

My husband is a work aholic and is about work business money repeat.

He doesn't really like his routine being disturbed. I.e taking a holiday and checking the hell out.

He said most men are like this and don't like routine disturbances.

I said heck the hell they are not! But then all of his brothers, dad, people he talks to are the same.

I'm not sure if it's because they are either business men, lawyers or in high positions.

Now I know there must be men out there that like checking out and are not rushing to go back to work.

Whats your partner like, is he OK with routine disturbances?

Finances

How do you all handle financial issues? We split cu no matter how much he has he is not paying it all. Every bill connected to him gets behind even rent sometimes. I’m tired but know I can’t afford to be on my own with 5 kids. The bill he does contribute does make a difference. But I’m tired if he has 200 and a bill is 120 he will give 80 and keep the rest for his self. Not for the house not for the kids. I cover all the kids financially obligations I cover the home insurance and other insurances. I cover tall the food and he has the electric it is at 800 I just saw this month. And I’m like how has this not been paid. It’s electronic bill that he gets. And I pay all the others. How does it get that high and you have the money. Guess I’m just venting but I’m tired. Says God gone make a way and I’m like yeah and you gone spend it.

Day out recommendations

Before I return to work we want to do 1 big family day out! I want it to be as baby focused as possible. Ideally somewhere he can move around and explore. He will be about 10 months. Please give me any recommendations or suggestions. Thank you
(UK based)

Too overwhelmed to take toddler out alone

Anybody else?
My boy is very high energy and is in the peak of toddler tantrum stage. I am currently pregnant again and I’m experiencing exhaustion, overwhelm and anxiety which is stopping me taking him anywhere on my own.
I would love to be able to take him to the park or play area etc on my own but it’s just too much (at least too much in my mind). I always worry how will I cope if he has a tantrum etc.
I manage to nip to the shops with him sometimes on my own as long as I have snacks etc with me for him but I feel so guilty that we don’t get to do more.

The ice cream farm in Cheshire

Has anyone been? Is it worth it? I’ve got a 2y old.

Travelling with a 2 year old

I’m going on holiday next year my son will be 2. We are going Spain does anyone know if I need to call the hotel and request a travel cot or if I should bring my own? This will be my first time going to a different country for a holiday as well as my son and his dad. Safe to say I’m nervous as hell 😭😂also any advice and travel hacks would be very appreciated