Toddler not interested in independent play

Hi I just wanted to see if anyone is experiencing the same thing. My toddler will be 17 months in a few days and he hardly plays with his toys/read his books by himself anymore. He used to sit and play or read his books for quite a while throughout the day but now he just follows me around the house and he rather play with household things instead of his toys if I am doing things around the house. I do sit and play/read with him and that seems like the longest he will play with his toys if I am right next to him.

I’m wondering if this is a phase with the clingyness as I want to get him some good developmental toys for when he’s 18 months but Im worried he won’t play with them.

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This is actually normal. My eldest didnt start independently playing well until around 3yo and shes almost 4 and requires a lot of play still. She may do up to an hour of solo play sometimes.

They just want to be involved with what you are doing and want to help. Its a way of showing their love by just wanting to be around and doing/helping you.

I would stoll go ahead and get some developmental toys. Maybe 1 or 2 as there is no guarantee they will play with them.

My 17mo doesnt independently play. He messes with everything but im still a big part of playing. He can build towers but still wants me there with him.

You arent doing anything wrong x

Thank you for your comment !! That’s good to hear :)

Yes we’re going through the same thing. I think it’s a bit of separation anxiety too, like he’s worked out when I’m not close by. Like Emma my eldest was similar and only now at 4 is really into playing by himself but still needs a bit of encouragement x

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