i feel like i'm not doing enough!!

**chewy sweets** · 05-09-2009, 02:47 PM

I've only got 1 mindee at the moment who's 2. I live in wales so don't have to do planning and don't come under EYFS. Basically any activities i plan like crafts, going for a walk, dress up the 2 year old refuses to do. He wants to just play with what ever he wants to and just do his own thing. But i feel as if i'm not doing my job properly. I play with him and encourage him with the things he does want to do but should i be pushing him more into more structured play???
Should mention that he's full time with me aswell!

Thanks for any advice!As i've only been registered a few months!!!

**Daftbat** · 05-09-2009, 02:51 PM

So long as you are allowing him to explore at his own pace and providing him with plenty of stimulating toys etc you're doing fine. Most two year olds wouldn't want to do a lot of structured activity as their concentration span is so short. Let him lead the way in what he wants to do and you will soon find that as he gets older the other things will become more appealling to him. Everything sounds fine.

**FussyElmo** · 05-09-2009, 02:52 PM

In opinion you are doing exactly what should you should be doing following the childs interests. You are joining in and being part of th fun so thats all is required.

Although I plan I dont do structure as such as mine are 2 and dont want it. Great if I can but no big deal if I cant.

As long as he is enjoying himself that all that matters. It wont be long till his interest changes!!!

**helenlc** · 05-09-2009, 02:56 PM

I agree. He obviously knows what he wants to play with and do, so just assist and encourage him with those activities.

**Lainey Lou** · 05-09-2009, 03:52 PM

Hiya Katie, like you I look after a 2 year old as well and she is the same, any things such as gluing and sticking/crafty stuff etc or themed stuff she just isn't interested or is for about 2 minutes and then is off playing with the toy kitchen!

I find that she likes to play with water so plastic shower curtain on the floor a bowl of soapy water, plastic cups and saucers and a cloth and she will sit for ages 'washing up' or when the weather is nice a bowl of water and paint brush and she paints the walls outside. Bubbles are another favourite. Also, big box with a blanket over the top and torches is another one that keeps her quiet for a while. I've tried the cooked spaghetti but she just eats it!! Going to have a go at making play dough with her next week and see how we go. I think at that age anything that they can 'mess' with is good, as well as just following their interests and encouraging what they enjoy, like you are doing.

XX

**flora** · 05-09-2009, 04:01 PM

Sounds like you are doing just fine to me.

If the little chap is happy, let him play and learn at his won pace. Take your cues from him and offer him things you know he will like and may stratch him or teach him something he doesn't know.

He is very young and I think you maybe under estimating just how much you are " doing" for him just be providing a good selection of toys for him

**chewy sweets** · 05-09-2009, 04:31 PM

Thanks fr everyone's replies. You've all make me feel alot better abut it now!
Thanks again ladies- Really helpful as always!!!

**youarewhatyoueat** · 05-09-2009, 04:52 PM

You sound like you know what youre doing and its fine, the only thing that may be missing is socialising as he's on his own. Perhaps if you go to a toddler group you could try some different activities with other children. I expect you are already doing that and taking him out to the woods or park is often more fun with others.

**chewy sweets** · 05-09-2009, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by caroline L

You sound like you know what youre doing and its fine, the only thing that may be missing is socialising as he's on his own. Perhaps if you go to a toddler group you could try some different activities with other children. I expect you are already doing that and taking him out to the woods or park is often more fun with others.

He's my only mindee but my 15month old baby is with me all day so they do play together as best as they can.

**Princess Sara** · 05-09-2009, 09:13 PM

Did I read that correctly, in Wales = no planning and EYFS? There's another tick box for to move to Wales!

Honestly though, as long as lo is happy, playing, and meeting appropriate development milestones, what more is needed?

**manjay** · 06-09-2009, 07:51 AM

As long as you are fulfilling all the criteria for Standard 7 Katie (and it sounds like you are) then I absoultely wouldn't worry about it. I found that I changed how I did things after I had been minding for a while. I now observe, plan and evaluate what I am doing to ensure I am supporting each individual child and their development. The children would have no idea that I planned an activity as it will usually just be an extension of what they are currently interested in. I didn't do this when I had my first inspection and it was all fine and I had no actions. As in England all inspectors are different in what they require but to me it sounds like what you are doing is great

Just a thought as my paperwork is fairly old but do you have the update to standard 16? (Quality Assurance) I have quite a nice example sheet of ways to meet this standard. This explains ways that you can self monitor with planning etc. If you don't have it and want a copy just pm me your email address

amanda x

**Hayley G** · 09-02-2010, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by chewy sweets

I've only got 1 mindee at the moment who's 2. I live in wales so don't have to do planning and don't come under EYFS. Basically any activities i plan like crafts, going for a walk, dress up the 2 year old refuses to do. He wants to just play with what ever he wants to and just do his own thing. But i feel as if i'm not doing my job properly. I play with him and encourage him with the things he does want to do but should i be pushing him more into more structured play???
Should mention that he's full time with me aswell!

Thanks for any advice!As i've only been registered a few months!!!

I am in the same position - only I have a 3.5 year old and a six month old and its very difficult to plan anything with the older one as she is willing to sit and do crafts etc - but can be impossible with LO's not wanting to sit still for long?! How often do you do planning and observations on children and what if they are just content playing with toys and not necessarily structured or planned activities?

**terrydoo73** · 09-02-2010, 09:22 PM

I have a little 2 1/2 year old and he flits from one toy to another without any real time spent on anything. He is with me 2 mornings a week on his own and it is awful. If I try and get him to do anything with me ie structured he runs away into the other room. I have ended up just letting him wander about doing what he likes - there is plenty to keep him amused and interested but I have yet to find any interests! On the other 3 mornings I have his twin cousins who are a year younger than him and he hates it when they are there. He objects to anything they touch and will snatch toys off them to make his point. He has even resorted to spitting, kicking, pushing and slapping.

When I mentioned this to mum it was like there was no way on this earth her little perfect angel could be doing this. Result - he is being taken away from me to a private nursery. At first I felt a failure and that I had let him and his mum down but then I thought no if it was my child with that behaviour I would be concerned and want it resolved - her resolution is maybe not the course I would have taken personally but that is her choice.

What have I learned for the future - yes it is good to try and introduce children to specific activities but there is a timing issue - some develop later than others and I think it kicks in around age 3 - 3 1/2 and toddler groups do help with children attempting things they might not do at home.