Better when you're not around?

I've discovered that hte boys seem much happier playing if I'm not there. If I try to play with them or even just be within sight of them, it usually turns into one big crying tantrum over something or another. Anyone else this way? Admittedly, it kind of hurts my feelings, but if it makes them happier then I'm content to try to stay out of sight. The crying is just making my ears bleed. You'd think after nearly 21 months I'd be used to it.

 

Same here--spmetimes I just hide out upstairs and do laundry and they play happily downstairs. Weird huh?

 

Nope, mine are similar. I try to give them some independent time, and they always do well just playing, while I'm close by but "ignoring" them. It's a little annoying but so it everything becoming a competition when I am down on the floor trying to play with them!

 

My DH always says it is the "Mom factor" that turns whiny, fussy, grabby crybabies into pleasant little children the moment I step out the door. Makes me feel REAL good!

 

Same here - I'd like to say it gets better, but to an extent mine still do it and they are almost 5!

And they behave much better for DH than they do for me. He can't understand why I get so tired when I'm with them alone, I'm going to set up video cameras so he can see what terrors they become

 

Same here...you are NOT alone! I have the downstairs babyproofed and gated off and our upstairs is an open 2 floor foyer with a loft (the computer is in the loft)...so I just kind of check email, etc. and I can hear them playing, getting toys out, etc...so yeah, MUCH better if I'm not around!

 

Mine too! WE took our dining room and converted it into a toy room. I can see them from the computer room, the living room, or the kitchen. As long as I am "doing" something and not paying attention to them they are fine. The minute I walk near them....the start whining! They want mommy to pick them up. I do, put them down and then they are content for a little while again. I like that they got a little independance. It allows me to get more done...LOL!

 

All these posts have helped a lot. I was feeling so guilty for letting them just do their thing. Thanks!

 

No, not so for us . . . if I'm not there supervising, Elliot ALWAYS tackles Clarissa. I try to give it a minute but if the screaming doesn't stop I go in to check, and she's usually pinned to the floor with him on top either biting her or hugging her (she doesn't like either one!) If I'm sitting in the same room they can play independently (sometimes) but a stern word to Elliot usually stops him before he attacks his sister.

I try to let them play while I go into the study to read email, but I end up having to come out every minute or two.

-Rachel

 

Mine too. They always get "alone" time after meals when I'm cleaning up. They usually have a threshold though, after 30-45 minutes they start whining for me to join them or they want out of the gated area. But that's normally plenty of time for me to get a few things done, so it works out well. I'm usually grateful that they like their independent play time; it takes twice as long to load/unload the dishwasher when you're always pulling a baby off of it!