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1300534 tn?1279121230

Can a 5 yr old boy play too much?

Our five year old is so engaged with his toys it seems like he only wants to focus on them at home. He will play a game with us, read books, or do some educational computer games too and he does like to go outside. Seems like he frequently wants our attention also. He is an only child. My husband is starting to wonder if his involvement in his toys is not normal (what really is normal for kids at each age?). He (husband) notices other kids just standing in line with their parents at the store or wherever, and here is our kid always touching something, moving his car around (or whatever toy he has on him), using his imagination, always wanting to have one of his toys with him, etc. and doesn't seem to sit still very well. When we recently had guests over, my husband thought our son should sit and converse with every one but instead does not want to as he wants to go into the other room to play and do "child" like activities. He attends day care/summer camp 4 days a week and socializes with other kids well. When he is at home all day with us, we do a little of structured activities, free play, tv, computer, etc, so his schedule is not just all "free" play. We try to mix it up.
Just wondering if this is all normal for a 5 year old boy? It seems like girls sit still, listen better, stand in line better, etc. than boys? Or am I just making excuses for my busy son?
2 Responses
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1301089 tn?1290666571
Your child sounds like a happy healthy little boy with an inquisitive and quick mind.  He's just a smart energetic little boy.  Little ones learn best through play.  Let him play on!
Helpful - 0
189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
   Girls definitely (as a group) sit still, etc. at this age then boys.  And it would be unusual for a 5 year old boy to sit and converse with people for more than about 3 min.  If I remember correctly, my kindergarten teachers would never have an activity last longer than about 10 minutes due to the kids attention spans.  So I think he sounds pretty normal.  Once the daycare teachers get to know him, it wouldn't hurt to also ask their opinion.  But if he is playing well with the other kids, I doubt that there is a problem.
   It may be that you have got a little one with a sharp questioning, active mind.  Enjoy him!
Helpful - 0
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