As babies grow older and become a bit more self-sufficient in their play, it’s easy to let household chores and other small details about the house prevent you from actually sitting and playing with your child. Often, the games and toys of a young toddler aren’t particularity exciting to adults, so it’s with some relief you work around your child while he plays.

While this is normal and even healthy for children to learn to play independently, it’s also important to stop what you’re doing and give your child your undivided attention for long stretches of time. If sitting around the house playing his games gets a bit tedious, break up your time together by sitting down to play computer games together or taking a walk outside to check on what nature has to offer.

It doesn’t matter what you do together so long as your child has an opportunity to have your undivided attention for a spell. Let him pick the activities or at least give his permission before changing from one game to another. This way, he knows that he is still your number one and you can end every evening without worry or fear that you didn’t do enough to make him feel special that day.