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Joy! The Tinkerous Toddler goes it alone

By Luci McQuitty Hindmarsh, on July 16th, 2012

Thumbelina

Yippee, yowzers, wowzers and as many other joyeous exclamations that I can think of. We’ve had a breakthrough. A mighty big one. Well in our world it is anyway.

The Tinkerous Toddler is playing by herself. Happily. By herself.

Until now she has played for short whiles by herself if I am in the same room and like many other toddlers, she is more than happy to sit and stare at CBeebies on her own, with me out of sight and out of mind.

But today, after her nap, she said she didn’t want to come downstairs with me. Not in a sulky way. But in a bright and breezy, “I’ve got my dolly and we’re going to play” way.

Role play has become an increasingly big part of life for us over the last month or so. TT’s desire to work through things that are on her mind or simply things that fascinate her is most apparent.

I have to say it is one of my favourite stages of her life so far. Doctors and vets feature heavily. As does Thumbelina, her favourite cartoon character. I often find myself in the role of Cornelius, suitor to Thumbelina, as we use the beanbag in our living room as Cornelius’ Buzzy-Bee mode of transport.

To be witness to the Tinkerous Toddler going one stage further with her role play by going it alone is really quite marvellous. In my book it is so important for children to be happy with their own company and to be able to take themselves off into a world of their own creating.

I must also confess it is really rather lovely to be sitting here bashing away at my computer keys, guilt-free in the knowledge that she is really happy doing her thing, whilst I do mine. This moment has been a long time coming. Not for lack of encouragement. TT has just never really taken to the idea of spending time by herself.

Of course I do know from other parents that I need to listen out for the silence, because that is usually a sign that something is going awry. Be it a water-logged bathroom floor or toilet roll strung around the entire top level of the house.

But for the moment I shall simply sit here and enjoy knowing that another milestone has been reached. One that means a whole new freedom for the both of us.

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Luci McQuitty Hindmarsh

mother.wife.me AKA Luci McQuitty Hindmarsh. I'm a London based blogger, writer and social media maven. This is a personal blog about my life as a MOTHER to a little girl, WIFE to a businessman husband and all the other general stuff that happens to ME.

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  • http://older-mum.blogspot.co.uk Older Mum (In a Muddle)

    Huzzah! We are at a very similar stage with Little A where she is quite happy to play on her own, while I tinker away on the PC. I am now starting to worry that I’m not spending enough time with her … but she seems quite content. I ask her is she’s okay, and she says she is ….

    • http://www.motherwifeme.com mother.wife.me

      I know, I think it won’t take me long to start fretting and then guilt tripping myself that I’m not spending enough time with her!!

  • http://amummysview.wordpress.com amummysview

    Yey! I can imagine how you feel. I don’t always get time to just sit, I get clambered on. She plays ok if I am doing housework or cooking but if I attempt to just sit down it’s game over. the few rare times my little girl plays happily on her own and allows me to have some space feels so good!

    • http://www.motherwifeme.com mother.wife.me

      Sounds about the same as for me. Space is a good thing and I hope it will continue to increase, though not too much, otherwise I’ll be moaning about that too!!!

  • http://www.mayfairmum.com Mayfair Mum

    Hurrah! What a milestone (and a relief for you to have a few more precious minutes of time to get on). We’re in a similar place as we lose more and more of the toddler trappings (nappy/potty/toilet seat/stepstool free? check! baby gate removed? check! big boy bed? check!) and now it seems we’re dropping the lunchtime nap (sob!) – its all about finding the right balance for you both to have time to yourselves and time together isn’t it? Good luck and long may it continue :)

    • http://www.motherwifeme.com mother.wife.me

      Oooh you’re ahead of us, I so long to say goodbye to all the toilet training paraphernalia! So wasn’t sorry to see all the stair gates go, spent most of my time being blocked by them myself. Balance is where it is at, hopefully we’ll find it soon, hope all continues to go well for you too.

  • http://www.knackeredhousewife.com Lauren James (@knackeredhwife)

    Tinkerous Toddler obviously has good taste in films – I loved that film when I was little and my daughter loves it now. I also bought it as a present for my 19-year-old sister!

    I also get clambered on every time I try and sit – as my youngest is only 9 months old it’ll stay that way for quite a while!

    • http://www.motherwifeme.com mother.wife.me

      It is a very sweet film, I wasn’t sure about it at first – all that waiting for a handsome prince to come along and save your life stuff – but then I set my cynicism and feminism aside!!!

  • http://www.actuallymummy.co.uk Actually Mummy…

    That’s brilliant! GG was never happy playing alone. What a blessing it was when she discovered reading! Relax now :)

    • http://www.motherwifeme.com mother.wife.me

      My shoulders went down at least an inch when I realised she was playing happily by herself!!

  • http://www.honestmum.com HonestMum

    So lovely when that happens and you see your little mini me transform to an independant wee thing! Enjoy!

    • http://www.motherwifeme.com mother.wife.me

      It is brilliant, I am loving seeing her transforming into a little girl from a toddler. Will have to think up a new blog name for her soon!!

  • http://www.mothersalwaysright.com Molly @ Mother’s Always Right

    I love watching F play when she doesn’t know I’m there. It’s like you get a little insight into what’s going on inside their head when they do that, isn’t it?!

    • http://www.motherwifeme.com mother.wife.me

      Totally! Magical times. I think I might try writing some of it down – the little narrative that goes along with the playing, it really is very special stuff (whoever the child, not just saying that about TT!)