How long do you let them play independently?

I ask this because sometimes I feel so bad for leaving them downstairs for long periods of time, but they seem fine with it! I can usually let them play unsupervised (living room is blocked off & completely proofed) for 1.5-2 hours at a time. I always pop my head down the stairs to make sure their not getting in any trouble, but sometimes that's it. I guess I'm lucky for the time being that their not so clingy, so I guess you can say I'm enjoying it while it lasts!

 

I would let them play for as long as they liked @ that age, but not out of my sight.

I have found things can happen to fast and things you could never have imagined.

 

For as long as they will!

 

Yep, as long as no one is getting hurt or upset, I love to encourage independent play. Kept my sanity at least!

 

The boys are always in earshot, just so I can hear screams or whatever. They are pretty much the same way. very easy going boys that love to play by themselves.

I also pop my head in quite often.

Shannon

 

As long as they will, so usually for me that means 10 minutes. But if they were playing happily in their rooms for an hour I would let them.

 

Mine would never play independently for more than 10 minutes at that age, so count yourself lucky! I think it probably helps that they're in an area where they can't see you. Our house is all open plan (and small), so I was in the same room with them unless I shut myself in a bathroom or bedroom (in which case they would inevitably come track me down). OTOH, I do agree with PP that no matter how safe you think the area is, there will be things there that they can make a mess or hurt themselves with (unless it's an empty room with padded walls and floor ). So I'd check on them visually every 15-20 minutes or so.

 

I let them play independently for as long as they are willing to do it. Sometimes they play in their room and sometimes I let them play on the back porch while I make something to eat. I just leave the door open and put some music on and they dance and run in and out of the house.

 

Same as you, 1.5-2 hours sometimes, usually 1... If I was with them in the room it would totally not work though!

 

As long as they want to. I sometimes sit in the kitchen with the laptop while they play in the den (right in the next room over- and kind of connected). Some days they play so nicely together for an hour at a time, some days they can't go 1 minute without fighting over something.

 

in the mornings mine can last up to 40 minutes or so, but i can always see them (or hear them well and take a few steps to see them--they are in the living room). i never have them out of my site for more than a few minutes, though-- i'm always checking. and if they get quiet--i go running in, cuz that's never good.

if someone is visable they'll play even longer.... but at clingy periods (most of the rest of the day) they''ll only last a few minutes...... ones yelping for me now, gotta go!

 

As long as they will happily do it! I don't even remember what that's like right now, as both of my boys have been attached to me for weeks due to one illness after another! :crazy: Independent play: something very good to look forward to!!

 

I will let them play alone as long as they want to. Everything we need is on our main floor except for the bathroom, so I can supervise them the whole time (unless I have to change my diaper, that what's tell the kids when I need a potty break).