How to get my toddler to play independently?

My daughter needs either me or her dad, sometimes both, to keep her entertained. We have a full-time nanny, but it’s still difficult to leave all the chores, sit with her, and play all the time (until she goes to bed). Even if I am in the same room or nearby, she will not play on her own. When I ask her to play on her own, she’ll scream and ask to be held.

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Can you have her "help" you?

Agree about having her help. Things take us like 3-10x as long, but she’s generally happy and I’m able to make some progress on my chores. Also I like to think we are teaching her how to contribute as a member of the family which is an added bonus :) For playing, I will sit down and play with my daughter and then stay where I’m at but let her play alone while I watch. Over the weeks I’ve started scooting further away after I stop playing and I’ve gotten to a point where I can sit on the couch and watch her play. I can’t leave the room yet though haha. She follows. :) Good luck, I hope you find what works for you without too much trouble!

We started couple of weeks ago , not to interrupt him when we are playing with him . Let him select toys , if he is looking at toys , be silent until he ask us anything . Reply one liner with smile . Now after 2 weeks , he has started playing independently for 5-10 mins . He talks to himself like we talk to him during play . We are always around him . Making eye contacts if he looks at us . Play with him 10 mins then give 5 mins time for independent play . It actually helps brain development a lot .

My boy is the same. No advice ☹️

Toy rotation so she will see different toys every so often and get excited about it, and probably more interactive toys or activities like coloring, stickers, or just give random stuff for example I’ll give my son big boxes like when we’re done with his diapers or wipes lol and he will get in them or color them, paper towel roles, etc

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