Toddler Doesn't Like Toys

[Thirteen]

All he wants is TV, which is usually severely limited (and select programs only). He doesn't like playing outside, going on walks, playing with me... He just loves TV. I have to hide remotes and unplug the power source on a daily basis, and I'm tired of it.

We have tried toy rotation, crafts/projects, etc. Nothing seems to work...

Help me parent better, please.


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[SuzySunshine]

How old is he?

[Thirteen]

20 months - 21 months next week.

[MarissaNicole]

Does he like to read? Sing? What about playing with puppets? How is he with balls (soccer, tennis) or a tricycle? Painting, play doh? What about helping with tasks like cooking and cleaning?

[SuzySunshine]

Does he not like to play with them at all? By himself? With someone else?

My kids each went through a stage where TV was the be all, end all. At that age I think the only thing you can do is turn it off and encourage something else.

[alison]

Or put something really boring on that doesn't engage him at all?

[Phoebe]

My kids are still like that! Our friend's son went through a period around that age where he was obsessed with watching movies, specifically the Wiggles. Every time he came over he would go through our DVDs and name them all. He eventually grew out of it and plays with lots of toys now. I bet it is frustrating though.

[MrsK]

I'd get him out of the house. Go to the library, zoo, park, museum, run errands, go to the mall. There won't be a tv there and he'll be too busy to notice.

[Pollyanna]

Everyone is going to think I suck but seriously don't sweat it. Let him watch. Do like MrsK says and get him out of the house but overall don't make an issue of it. He will learn to do other things and play with toys, I promise.

[Thirteen]

Everyone is going to think I suck but seriously don't sweat it. Let him watch. Do like MrsK says and get him out of the house but overall don't make an issue of it. He will learn to do other things and play with toys, I promise.

My problem is, I don't have time to drive him all over creation in hopes that it soothes him. One minute he loves something, the next he could care less. I am worn down by trial and error, guesswork, and time out enforcement. (Right now, most outdoor things are out due to weather, unfortunately).

Tonight, he spent 3 1/2 hours throwing fits and screaming while I picked up the house/made dinner. I am so over it.
Maybe I'm a jerk, but I am googling MDO programs that don't want to charge me a small fortune... Why does everybody want a mint to babysit?

I can't do this. Even if I let him watch TV, that's all he wants, all day long. Not me, not the zoo, not the arboretum, not books, not playdates with his friends. I run errands, try to get things done, make dinner, etc., and he just cries and screams.


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[SuzySunshine]

Check your local churches for MDO's, at least here they are the cheapest option.

[ladymoreta]

MDO has been an awesome experience for us! I've also felt the mommy guilt, but it's definitely unfounded!

[MrsK]

You need a mommy time out. Try MDO or, if you are a member of the Y, they will babysit as long as you stay in the building. Have a friend meet you for coffee there while he plays in the kid zone.

[Thirteen]

He responds well to time out. Do you think I can put him in time out for crying/screaming, and he would get the connection? He didn't hit or throw anything during his tantrums this afternoon, so I froze and was at a loss.
I usually do one warning, then my "time out speech." I should have done time out today, but I didn't want him to think he was going into time out for crying, so to speak.

DH said we should put him in daycare, 7 days a week. He's *SO* helpful... *eye roll*

[Thirteen]

Also, we will be removing the TV permanently from the living room, and placing it into our spare room. Out of sight, out of mind - that is the hope, until this issue gets resolved. Today proved that he cannot have even a little bit of viewing time without completely falling off the deep end. It's like watching an addict withdraw from substances around here. Sheesh.