Son Won't Play Alone

My first daughter used to do this, but when she was 3-4 years old. Now she is 7 and she plays with her 4 year old sister. She still wants from time to time to play with me, but since she goes to school full day, when she comes home she barely has time to play with her sister. It may be that your son gets bored after he comes from school and he wants someone to play with him. It can also be that he wants attention. I am sure you have your hands full with three kids, especially the baby so he may want more attention. My older one used to throw tantrums when her sister was a baby (things like,,why do I hold her in my arms,etc).
Since he is almost 6, you can give him assignments. There are all kinds of books with activities for his age (math, tracing, writting). I don't know if he reads or not..if he does, he can read a story. At least this would give you some time to do other things in the house.

good luck

I think you should drop Anna Marie and Gianna off at your friend K.'s house for a playdate with their friend Chloe & Chloe's brother and sister and then you can have plenty of time for Stephen. Maybe then he would be more willing to play by himself knowing that he doesn't have to compete for your attention and you could get some things done. (By the way, you're a great Mom!)

P.S. Sorry we missed you this am...believe it or not we slept in :)

I have a similar problem with my 5 year old son. I have been giving him play alone toys like simon and wooden brain teasers. I only ask him to play alone for short periods of time each day, but we are trying to develop the skill. I also plan to get a timer and set it for one on one time with each child. I also have a 2 year old. I want my son to see the timer as the "bad guy" not me. I also want him to begin to realize that I am not favoring the other child. It is a work in progress. I hope these ideas work for you.
Good luck.
ER

Hi K.,
I'm not sure why your children aren't playing together. You mentioned that your son "smothers" you and your daughter. It sounds like he is jealous of the attention you are giving your daughter. I think you should encourage your children to play together.
Good luck.