how to encourage a 6 year old to play by himself?

[Anonymous]

My 6 year old cannot play by himself at all. Maybe for 5 minutes, tops. I've sometimes used iPad time to bribe him to extend that time a bit, but I don't really like doing that. His favorite activities are playing board games and reading; he's not yet an independent reader, so he can't do either of those things on his own. He will sometimes play in the backyard on his own a bit, but he's really, really loud, so for the neighbors' sake, I don't encourage that for long periods of time.

Suggestions? Is this normal?

[Anonymous]

Oh, goodness. Perfectly normal. Stop trying to dictate what he does and for how long (unless it's screen time.)

Let him play in the backyard. If he's loud, that's okay. It's probably 3 pm not 3 am.

There are board games you can play on the iPad against the computer.

Storynory has great (free) audio stories for kids and has an app
http://www.storynory.com/

Kids don't have to be fluent readers to enjoy reading. Try picture books; graphic novels.

Award winning picture books: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecotthonors/caldecottmedal

Try Campfire for graphic novels: http://www.campfiregraphicnovels.com

This is a great resource for books: http://www.whatdowedoallday.com/books

If he likes science, Science Friday always has some good kids book picks:
http://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/the-science-of-story-time/

[Anonymous]

Oh, here are some board game type apps: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-board-game-apps-games-and-websites

[Anonymous]

Most board games are intended to be played with more than one person, so that is an issue.
And, the only way he will become an independent reader is to read with others (others reading TO him and WITH him).

You need to find things that he CAN do on his own.
Things like Leggos, matchbox cars and tracks, K’nex, and other toys that don’t require the help or involvement of others.