[Stormster]

DS only takes one nap from 11-1:15 or so now. We have lunch after that and an afternoon activity. From 5:00 - 7:00 when we eat dinner I run out of steam and I've been putting him in his crib for 1/2 hour or so to just chill which I've never done before.

He doesn't seem to mind the first 15 minutes or so and then he stands there and kind of chats to himself or throws his stuffed animals around. We disassembled the pack and play, he just seems too old for it now.

Is it a mistake to expect him to hang out in his crib for a half hour? The only alternative I could think of would be to set up the pack and play again but it was becoming a place to dump toys and he really prefers the crib as it's cozier.

It's fine....right (say yes say yes!) but seriously be honest. It's maximum 1/2 hour. If he seemed distressed I'd obviously go get him but he seems ok (not thrilled though) PLEASE BE HONEST.

[minibus]

Storm - Have you thought about a Superyard? We're using that with DS now when DH is working at home - that way, he can crawl around to his heart's content and play with his toys, but it's bigger and it's not associated with sleeping.

[c.a]

Does he object to things he doesn't like? Does he let you know when he is mad/frustrated or bored?

If he is chattering away to himself in the crib, it sounds like he is telling you that it is just fine with him.

It is fine for kids to know that they do not need to be entertained by someone else and that they can entertain themselves. Give him a couple of books and toys.

[melissa_bear003]

I probably wouldn't put him in his crib, per say...mainly cause I want crib = sleep. That said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with some independant play time. Is there a reasonably child proofed area that you could baby gate and let him play on his own? Or even sit outside in the yard with him, give him some trucks to play in the dirt with while you sit a few feet away?

Independant play is gooooooooooooood. For him and you.

[Stormster]

Mini I don't think we have the space for it. Also if it's associated with Play I have a feeling he'd be calling for me to come play with him anyway.....I kind of WANT him to relax.

We go pretty hard from 2-5!

[Stormster]

yes he definitely let's me know when he wants out. I always put a book and he has his stuffed animals. He's in there now chatting to himself.

Also he's a great sleeper. But I do worry that I'm sending a confusing message about what the crib is for....

OUTSIDE??????? Ummmm, it's snowing here today! I really really want to move somewhere warm. It's gonna be a long winter with Mover McGee....

[HappyHopefulMommy]

I do not think anything is wrong with it. I think kids need to have "quiet time" in the afternoon, even if they are young. But if you want you could also just put a baby gate in his door way so he could play in his room. You could give him books and some quiet toys.

[sheababy]

My mom could not figure out why I could not put DD in crib or playpen to get the housework done as her generation had always done. So I don't think 1/2 an hour is a problem. My DD would scream bloody murder if we left her in the crib-unless she had a toy she was interested in then she could care less if she was in the crib, on the couch, on the floor. If he doesn't mind-don't sweat it!

[feelingreyt]

Stormster,
In my honest opinion what you are doing to your son is terrible! How dare you?!?
Just kidding....
Seriously, it is fine to expect your son to entertain himself for 30 minutes in a safe enviroment. In fact, I think it's very healthy for him. He needs time to learn to play alone. There is nothing wrong with you expecting a few minutes to yourself to unwind and catch your breath from your days activities! Heck, we all need that!
I put H in his crib or his play stand thingy when I need a few minutes, or a shower, or whatever. He may not be 100% happy with it all the time, but hey, we do what we have to do!
Little E is lucky to have a mom as dedicated to him as you are. A few minutes alone is not going to harm him in any way. Trust me!

ETA: I have 3 children. With each of them I have used their crib as a place for them to hang out and play for short periods of time. It has never hendered their sleep patterns or caused any confusion. My kids are great sleepers!

[Stormster]

Originally Posted by HappyHopefulMommy

I do not think anything is wrong with it. I think kids need to have "quiet time" in the afternoon, even if they are young. But if you want you could also just put a baby gate in his door way so he could play in his room. You could give him books and some quiet toys.

now THAT is my solution. I need to do a little bit of baby proofing....PERFECT THANKS!

We are getting carpet in his room soon and maybe I'll put some pillows on the floor in case he wants to have a little lay down. Only problem is the diaper pail but I can remove that for the half hour or so.

I can even have a different set of toys in there so he actually looks forward to it.

[melissa_bear003]

heck, you could just put him to work...That's what I do...
ARGH, I can't upload a file

[aclee]

I agree...gate him in his room. (no history of gate climbing right?) Stick the diaper pail on top of the changer while he's in there...

[KatiesEd-dad]

Originally Posted by Stormster

It's fine....right (say yes say yes!) but seriously be honest. It's maximum 1/2 hour. If he seemed distressed I'd obviously go get him but he seems ok (not thrilled though) PLEASE BE HONEST.

My God, woman! How could you? Next think you know you'll be making him drink tap water. Where's that number to CPS.....as you already know...just kidding

We did this with Katie all the time. Another popular method was to put her on the floor behind my computer chair and she would learn to play independently while I played independently on the computer....kind of like right now.

[jp4ga]

Let me tell you for years to come you and your child will appreciate this "alone/quiet" time. My son is now 12, when he was about 6 months I started leaving him in his pack and play so that I could get some stuff done and he could have quiet time. When he got older I baby gated him in his room so he could play quietly and I could rest. Around 4 he decided he was too old for quiet time, but I still sent him to play in his room for an hour or so, and it has stuck. Now at 12, he still has an hour a day, with no electronics, no computer, just toys/books. He actually will decide when he wants his quiet time which is fine with me. Right now he mostly does his quiet time when baby sis is fussy.

[RavenSong]

Stormster, seriously, you've discovered the secret that most mothers for the last hundred years have known, namely into the crib with baby for a little break for mom. If E is just chattering away while he's there, I don't see any problem with it. It's important, IMO, for him to be able to entertain himself and have some "alone" time. If he was crying or screaming, that would be another story.

It's okay to want a few minutes to yourself, honest. Small breaks in your day will help you not go insane, lol.