I have instituted "Playroom Time" in this house.
I started 3 days after the boys turned 17 months. Putting them in a safe area (by removing the climbable kid-size chairs from the playroom) and closing the door behind me. Letting them play by themselves. Without Mommy. To tell you the truth, I was so scarred from sleep training that if those boys so much as whimpered I would have not have closed the door. But I distracted them with some toys, and they were fine! More than fine, I heard lots of laughing and playing from the room. For 40 minutes. I was able to clean up their breakfast dishes, and also do some general cleaning/mopping. It was wonderful! So I tried it the next day, and the day after that, and once a day, every day since... and they have been fine! I wouldn't say they are excited for me to leave, but once Adam actually waved "bye bye" to me as I was closing the door.
I am shocked at how well they get along during "Playroom Time". Often they fight over my attention, or want me to get them something (that the other one sees and wants too). In the room on their own, I guess the fact that they don't have me to fight over helps them get along. One day I heard them both just laughing away, it melted my heart. I almost didn't want to go in, because I knew once they saw me, it would be over!
I decided to get my camera and spy on them. I am actually not sure what they were doing, but it looked friendly. Also I am amazed Adam was laying down. I almost never see him stop moving when he is awake. Here is what I saw (precious boys).
2 comments:
OMG, your video totally makes me miss when my kids were that age!
Isn't it wonderful when they can finally play together independently without you having to sit right next to them??
They are so sweet!
Helene, I have a feeling I am going to miss the innocence of these days :( I can already see them developing more and more preferences, which just creates more conflict! And yes, independent play is the best :)
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