To extend Dina's ability to be content and play independently her mum continued play time each morning for 10 - 15 minutes. Music would play and when a certain song would begin, mum would return for the pack up of the toys.
With calm consistency Dina gradually built up to a 30 - 40 minute room play each day.
Dominic strongly disliked room play. His issue was control. He wanted to choose each part of each day. He expressed his opinion in a very open manner.
His parents gently showed their authority. A chart was drawn up with pictures showing the activities that formed the pattern of the day. The chart dictated what came next in the day.
As Dominic saw that his parents, and not himself, were responsible for the decisions of the day, the battle over room play minimised greatly.
Dolly seemed lost in room play. She was happy to sit there, but didn't seem to engage with her toys much at all.
So mum sat with her for the first few minutes of room play and would start a puzzle, or commence building a castle or set out a tea party for the doll. This gave Dolly ideas of how to play with her toys.
In one-to-one time each day mum chose a variety of toys to play with and so modelled to Dolly new ways to use her toys.
Dolly began to look forward to room play.
