[Parenting Question] Leaving them to play...

[domtyler]

Cheers for all the replies, that's very helpful!

I think the peeking round the door option is the best for the time being. It is quite fascinating when she doesn't realise I am there and I can stand and watch her for ages doing what she does.

I really want to produce and independent and well rounded young lady but it is knowing how far to go at which age which isn't always easy. I don't really want to find out the hard way if she seriously injures herself.

Yenners, don't worry mate, she will definitely be taught right from wrong and how to respect others, even though she is wearing a hoodie already!!

 

[Tetedelacourse]

We have 2. Our eldest often used to sit and play by herself at that age. Our youngest is a totally different character and is more demanding. I think it depends on the kid.

But in a nutshell if she's not crying she's happy. I'd use a monitor for peace of mind myself. There's PLENTY of time for socialising coming up through nursery, pre-school, school, uni, work, cyclechat etc.

There's always someone who'll say you're not doing it right. That roughly translates as you're not doing it how they'd do it. But look at their life and ask yourself would you change yours for theirs? Nope, so butt out beaky!

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

As long as you don't peek around the door to find her weighing out crack cocaine on a small pair of scales and acting out a pretend 'deal' with a couple of teddies and a Barbie doll...

My oldest is just approaching 4 and we often leave (i.e. actively encourage) her to play by herself.

She has no problem with it and it gives us a break too.

She'll pop in every so often to show us the fruits of her labour... or to explain why Teddy is trussed up in a doll's pram while she soldiers around the house with 11 bags/purses/rucksacks filled with ALL her toys.