Won't Play with Their Toys

My son does the same thing with my husband when he is home from work. I simply hide or put away all his toys and take out only a few. I rotate them every couple of weeks.

Put out snacks for them(healthy one) while you are cooking or doing other chores. They miss you and want to be around you. It is tough, but flattering.

My daughter does the same thing when I am in the kitchen and doing chores. I got her a toy broom and kitchen plates, food, etc and found someone giving away a toy kitchen. This way she can do the same things I do when I do them and then she thinks she is playing with me (I put them right by our kitchen as going into the other room didnt help as of course she wants to be near me). I also give her a rag when I am dusting and a small area to "dust". I also take out sharp breakable stuff out of the dishwaher as she likes to help unload. Then I let her hand me the rest including silverwear. It has helped tramendously and has also helped her become more helpful around the house and she JUST turned 2 on the 10th. If you dont have a toy kitchen maybe convert one of your lower kitchen drawers into a "kitchen toy drawer" for them to "cook" in or do dishes in while you do your stuff. You can even let them push the clothes into the dryer for you or pour the capful of soap in the washer for you. I even got my daughter to feed and water the dog and feed the fish every day. Its easier to clean up a small spill after her occasionally then fight with her to go elsewhere I have found lol. Plus help with the house is fine with me lol. Just a few ideas. Good luck! :o)

First, A., let me just say that I lauged out loud when I read about those two staying at your feet while you cook dinner. What a visual! My first son was like that when he was younger. I was his toy. He just wanted me to play with him all the time, and it was exhausting. Now that my boys are 3 1/2 and 1 1/2, they mostly just fight over toys (also very exhausting) but they are definitely interested in their toys.
Maybe they'd be more into their toys if someone played with them with the toys at first. It sounds like you have your hands full between work, kids, grandkids, and household chores. Maybe you can get your older kids to play with your little ones just while you make dinner. Then the little guys will see how to play with those toys and they'll eventually be able to do it on their own. Maybe you're already doing that...
Good luck, anyway! Sounds very trying!

OK here is my suggestion. I don't know what you have tried, but I would suggest that as soon as you all get home spend 10 or more minutes playing, talking, reading, etc with your kids. Then say "OK, mommy needs to start dinner now" follow that with we can play some more before bedtime or something along those lines so they know you will have more time for them later. It just sounds to me like they miss you. I know it is difficult to balance work and home life, but sometimes chores need to be put off for a few minutes. I also agree with Angel's response. My son (yes my son) had a kitchen cabinet in my kitchen where I kept non-breakable pots and pans he could play with while I cooked. He had a toy vacuum (that really vacuumed) etc. And I was a stay at home mom at the time and he still wanted my attention all the time. Hope this helps and have a great evening.

A.,
Do your kids talk? Is there anything else going on with them? Any delays in any areas?
L.

My daughter was like this. I finally figured out she needed 'Mommy time'. She just missed me and needed my attention. I began making dinners ahead and freezing them. In the morning I'd put a frozen meal in the oven and set the oven to start cooking so that the meal would be done about 30 minutes after I got home. In the morning I'd set the table so all I'd need to do is nuke some veggies. On the way home start talking to the kids about the upcoming dinner. The 3 year old might be able to help with small tasks too. While waiting for dinner to finish we would play and she'd be less clingy after that.

My kids like their toys but they sometimes need direction on what to do or just to get started to realize their toys are fun. After a few minutes of getting them involved in something, I can walk away and they don't mind as much because they are engaged in something at that point. It's interesting to me that I need to do this. I never expected that my kids would me to help them decide what to do but it makes a difference if I take the time to do it.

D.

Chances are since they have been in daycare all day, they are anxious to have some attention and one-on-one time with you when you get home. While I know you have dinner to prep and chores to do it might be worth the time investment to just spend the first 30-40 minutes you are at home engaging with them...play on the floor with them read them a book etc. Then maybe they will get busy on their own for a while you tend to dinner and other tasks. I am a working mom and my twins are about 2 and have at home care with a nanny. When I get home they really cling to me and they want my attention. If I spend the first 30-40 minutes playing with them actively - eventually the "mommy's home" novelty wears off a bit and then they get busy with other things. In regards to interest in the toys themselves...kids do get bored from time to time. We make a habit of "rotating" some toys in and out. (Put a few in the closet for a couple weeks and then bring them back out.) Adding to the collection from time to time...and even moving things around to different rooms or locations. I have also just gotten into the habit of when I have things "to do" around the house, I generally try to save them for when my kids go to bed so I can get more quality time with them. I'm not sure what all you have on your plate, but you might consider if a few of the things can wait. The most precious thing to a child is your time and attention.

Best wishes to you
TwinsMom