How to entertain yourself in a child's playroom

Now that Stasa’s into independent play, she doesn’t really “need” us to play with her. Most times she actually pushes me away or takes the toys away from me. Independent play doesn’t mean she’s content playing in the room by herself, so Tom and I still hang out in the playroom with her, but we find ourselves getting bored just sitting there. Instead of just watching mindless television, we’ve come up with some fun “games” using her toys.

Game 1: Ring Toss
Toy used: Fisher Price Brilliant Basics Rock-a-Stack
How to play:
Place the base between Players 1 and 2. Using only the bottom 4 rings, Player 1 tosses the rings onto the peg. If Players 1 or 2 successfully get a ring on the peg, play continues with the rings that are left until all of the rings are stacked on the peg. If your child removes the rings during play, you must start over.

Game 2: Hallway Bocce Ball
Toy used: Fisher Price Roll-a-Rounds
How to play:
Players 1 and 2 sit at opposite ends of the hallway. Haphazardly toss 4 of the 6 balls into the middle of the hallway. Player 1 starts with 2 balls and rolls the balls to knock the 4 in the middle toward Player 2. Player 2 uses all of the balls that roll within his/her reach. Play continues until all of the balls are at one end. If your child moves/kicks any of the balls during play, you must continue playing wherever the balls are dropped.

Game 3: Stack ‘Em High
Toy used: wooden alphabet blocks and container
How to play:
Divide the blocks evenly between Players 1 and 2. On the count of 3, begin stacking your blocks in a single block stack. The player that stacks the most without it toppling over wins. Extra cool points if you can successfully stack all of your blocks before your child knocks them over.

Game 4: Shoot It Through the Hoop
Toy used: Ikea’s KORALL SKÖLDPADDA Storage basket and many many stuffed animals
How to play:
Place the basket between Players 1 and 2. Players 1 and 2 take turns tossing all of the stuffed animals into the basket. Play continues until all of the animals have successfully been tossed into the basket. Increase the difficulty level by moving farther away from the basket. If your child empties the basket, you must start over.

As you can see, we’re pretty nerdy and entertain ourselves with ridiculous games. There are never any real winners, but we end up having a lot of fun. And most times Stasa joins in and then walks around clapping if she throws a ball or tosses a ring. And she always smiles while knocking over our stacked blocks.