movies and toddlers

My son now 7 is still like this with my husband, my husband complains all the time and my response is.... You have to learn not to be his favorite toy! If you are staying up really late, which to me is like 1am or so to watch a movie then I would have to say your toddler needs an earlier bedtime. I believe giving a toddler this kind of power over what you do is dangerous because once he hits pre school this attention will not be given as much. Start separating yourself now, walk away for 5 minutes while he is playing then 10 and so on. Early in the evening tell him we are going to watch one of your movies and then mommy would like to watch this movie either you can watch it with me (if appropriate) or you can play with your favorite toys. This was kind of an open ended question that you asked so I kind of assumed a few thing

It's hard for toddlers to share attention, they feel like they are the most important person in the world and haven't a clue yet that other people might have desires different from their own. That's why toddlers and young children will also buy someone a gift they themselves like; they can't visualize how the other people feels. You could try to watch the movies when your toddler rests during the afternoon, or you could try and give him something to do which he really likes that will distract him for some time. I'm not sure it will last a full movie though... You could put him close by with crayons, little cars or anything he likes to play with and give him some compliments if he is playing nicely. Try not to give attention to him demending attention. It's a process toddler go through learning that they aren't the centre of the earth and getting to a point where they can amuse themselves. It can be a rough stage for parents too as the toddler will keep demanding attention. I can only tell you that this will pass and keep up having fun and try to understand why this is still so hard for him. Take care!

well, he is probably dealing with the separation anxiety thing. You just have to prove to him that you will be there for him, and when that is done things will get better, My daughter went thru that, and once, I had proved to her without a doubt that I will be there for her things got better. I started by playing with her, then slowly increased my space away. At first being in sight, then slowly moving throughout the house doing things while she played in the living room, and it took time and patience, but now she is very outgoing and able to be away from me easier than before... =)