Encouraging Independent Play

We have a 3-1/2-year-old granddaughter who lives three blocks away. We often do baby-sitting either at her home or ours. She is very bright but has a very short attention span, jumping from one project to another. She can't seem to entertain herself, demanding that one of us be with her all the time. How can we teach her to entertain herself for an extended period of time once in a while? -- Fond Grandparents
Answer: It's definitely not unusual for children this age to flit from one project to the next. And once they have gotten used to people entertaining them, they naturally want it all the time. You will need to wean her slowly from your complete attention.
Perhaps you could have her start playing with something, such as a doll. Then say: "Your dolly looks hungry; please feed her while I go start the laundry." When she comes to you, say: "Did you feed your dolly? Did she like what you gave her? Why don't you feed her some more fruit?" Or you might start a puzzle together and challenge her to find a piece while you briefly do something else. Interesting play objects such as a sandbox, dollhouse or water table (you need to be nearby) are also likely to increase her attention span. And doing some jobs such as sorting laundry or silverware and planting seeds should also help.
Return quickly from your task at first, and be sure to praise your granddaughter for whatever you asked her to do by herself. Also, at rest or naptime, you might give her a book to look at in order to entertain herself after you have read to her. Incidentally, cut way back on TV and videos in order to expand her attention span.
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