Why does it seem like kids can’t entertain themselves with their imagination and good old fashion playing like the old days (when I was a kid)? Also why does it seem kids who are not only children can’t entertain themselves at all? Let me explain.
The two above questions pertain to my son Shaun who is 6 yrs old and I have a feeling my daughter Shae is becoming like Shaun in some respects. From the time Shaun wakes up in the morning until he goes to bed he needs non stop entertaining. If he doesn’t have that non stop entertainment he is asking to play Wii, Xbox 360, internet, computer or watch TV. He asks these questions about 2-3 times a day. I always ask him why he can’t play with toys in his room or the basement (there is no shortage of toys in our house) and why he always needs something electronic to do. His answer every time is “I don’t know”. I don’t know either but he will only play in his room with his toys if someone is playing with him like me, Melinda, Shae or Sabreena. I remember when I was a kid all we pretty much had were toys. We had TV but my parents didn’t let me watch much of it and we really never had a game console like the Wii or Xbox and when we did we weren’t allowed to play it often. My parents made me play outside in the summer and in my room in the winter. To Shaun’s credit he does like to ride his bike and scooter and play outside but ONLY if his friends are outside. He would never do those activities by himself as he would be bored in two seconds flat.
I have to assume Shaun is like this because he has always had Sabreena to play with him his whole life. He really has never has to entertain himself because she has always been around. Now, Sabreena on the other hand can entertain herself all day and I am assuming because she was an only child for seven years before Shaun came along and she had no choice but to play by herself for the most part. I am not saying it is bad that Shaun wants someone to play with him because the social interaction is very important but what worries me is when no one is around to play with him he instantly becomes bored and wants to watch TV. Rarely will he decide to go play in his room alone.
Maybe this is middle child syndrome (LOL) but I hope he grows out of it because he needs to understand everyone is not here for his entertainment. I also worry about later in life he might have a hard time with relationships because he will be afraid to be alone (I had a few friends like this) and he will always need a women in his life. I know this is way down the road but I do think about this sometimes. Hopefully as he gets older he will become more independent and not mind being alone sometimes.
Shae is only two so I know she needs non stop entertainment but since Shaun and Sabreena always play with her I am afraid she is going to be worse then Shaun is right now. It is still too early to tell but I will keep you posted. Happy Friday!!!!! Head over to Dad Blogs to check out the other cool post by other great dads and moms.
