Quality Time with Toddler

Sounds about right to me! If you want him to start learning colors, shapes and letters you don't have to sit down to do it. There are colors and shapes everywhere! Just talk to him and point things out. He'll get it eventually. My daughter LOVED to color and draw. So, we got her a HUGE art pad and would draw shapes on the pages with her. It helped her learn. And sometimes play time just needs to be playtime! Their little minds get so overwhelmed. You're doing a great job!!! It'll pay off :D

Sounds about right to me, my son is 26 months and has been able to sit and play with a toy for 10-15 minutes for just a few months. I would say keep doing what you are doing in terms of pointing out colors, shapes, etc. He's likely picking up more than you realize. Just keep talking to him, explaining and describing things, and try some more physical play, you may find he has a longer attention span for that.

His behavior is typical! The average attention span is one minute times their age. e.g. a 2 year old will have a two minute attention span. There are, of course, times when they will hyperfocus for longer periods of time but this gives you an idea as to what you can expect. Sounds like you are doing all the right things! If you haven't already, you may want to look into a playgroup/moms group of some sort so you don't lose your mind. ;) Their lack of attention/extra energy can be exhausting. From a parenting perspective, I found that around this age my daughter started playing by herself for longer periods of time. Whew! (I am in the field of early childhood education so I have a lot of experience to back up the research!)

You are doing great - keep reading and talking to him. One day he may be interested, the other day he may not. If he has too many toys out at the same time, he may be overwhelmed and not sure what to play with. So maybe put most away and rotate what you keep out so he thinks he is getting something new all the time which will peak his interest.

I work full time.. and when I am at home I try to make the most of my time with my 23 month old as well. I read to him, play puzzles, etc. The key is to constantly talk to him... and know when is enough. You don't want to force it on him, otherwise he will not learn to love to learn. He will eventually listen and become interested on his own time! Just continue to give him opportunities to learn.... He can even learn colors, etc. just by watching you make dinner if you point them out to him!!!

My little boy is 23 months and he already knows the following perfectly. 1) knows his entire alphabet, can say and recognize 2) knows numbers 0-10. 3) knows 8 shapes 4) knows 4 colors 5) knows all body parts, including ebows, knees, toes, fingers, etc.
All I do is read and talk to him and point things out to him.
But don't feel bad if he is not so eager to learn.... my child is unusually quick to pick things up (or so I am told from daycare)
Hang in there.... they all learn things on their own pace. Ignore the milestone books and continue to read and talk to him. That is the quickest and most fun way for them to learn!! And most importantly - Enjoy every minute.

I don't think you have anything to worry about, but occasionally, why don't you try something that requires a lot of energy? Get a water table or set up an obstacle-course - something that he can play using his entire body. Do an online search for ideas. Good luck!

You are doing great and as other have said just being present with him is what is most important. Often times children do not know automatically how to play...they must be taught by having play modeled for them. Keep playing and he will engage with you more and more as his skills develop. I work with parents like you all the time to help them learn more about the power of play through Discovery Toys. If you'd like to schedule a playtime to learn more about where he is and what he's ready for next, just let me know. As a teacher for 17 years, I'm always happy to help! www.toyladyjanet.com for more info.

You are doing great. I am jealous! I wish I could be home with my baby girl. Keep doing what you are doing. the only advice I could give that helps with my daughter is to go for a walk and point things out on the walk (a bird, grass, airlplane etc) its a win win. My daughter LOVES to be outside (even when its really cold out...we just bundle her up). If you have a dog, bring the dog and see if your son will hold the leash.
My sister in law is a SAHM and she goes to the gym 5 days a week so her boys can have social time with other kids for an hour AND she gets to have some alone Mommy time PLUS her body looks incredible after only 3 months of doing it.
All the best of luck to you but again, you are doing great!!!

Switch toys around, and just go with it. The best thing you can do is to be "present" with him, and let him lead. Good luck!

Just keep doing what you're doing. If you are reading and he doesn't want to sit and watch/listen, let him play and do whatever he wants while you continue to read... he'll still hear you and pick up what you are saying even if it doesn't seem like he is. Besides the fact that he's just at an age when he doesn't have a big attention span, this also may be indicative of his learning style, so keep that in mind as he gets older!

http://www.fortnet.org/ParentToParent/PFellers/par_lern.html

Attention span for children (and probably adults) is 1 minute for each year they are. So, a 2-minute attention span for most things is about right at this age. Just don't take it personally and keep on doing what you're doing. At some point, there will be something that really captures his attention and you will be amazed. Then, I just try to build on that opportunity, when it presents itself.

Nope... Thats about the right attention span. :-) WE do not live in a tv land where kids play for hours with toys... They flit. THey explore... One game rolls into another.
It will be easier this summer when your outside and can chase the bugs and move around in an ever changing enviroment... But he'll still flit....

You are doing just fine! It is their age and attention keeps switching from toys to books, etc. Keep up the good work!

I wish my 7 year old would sit and play with something for more than 20 minutes! LOL Follow his lead. Don't put out too many choices at once. Let him choose "this" or "that"?

My son is exactly the same age and does exactly the same thing! I, too, am a SAHM. I've started to incorporate a couple of tv shows into our daily routine (I know they say no tv until 2, but i'm ok with a limited amount!). He loves Dora (which he calls Backpack Lol) and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. He still only watches on and off while he's playing with other things, but it's a nice addition to the day. I do the same things you mentioned during the shows like talking about hte colors, shapes etc. Whatever they are focusing on, although much is still over his head, it's still good. Sounds to me like you are doing a great job!!

Sounds to me like you're a great mom eager to teach her child. I don't think you're failing at anything in that department. Is going to COSI an option for you? They have an area specifically for little ones to run and play. Even though my daughter was running all over the place, she had so much fun and didn't want to leave.