It's much this way with my children, too. When I had just the one, it was much like you described. Because YOU are his only playmate! And there is nothing wrong with that! There is PLENTY of time to teach him other things that are lifes lessons, like dishes and such.

When the second child comes along (if there is), things get a little easier at that age because the older one becomes the playmate.

I'm at a point in my parenting career that is much like you are describing. I have an 8 month old that is VERY demanding of me. Sometimes the dishes don't get done. And that's ok, because I'll do them tomorrow when I do have some time during naps. This baby (he is my fourth) has refused to sleep at night away from me since the first night in the hospital. He is a snuggler! But as he is probably my last, I give in and play instead. And that's OK! Because eventually, it gets better. Just enjoy toddlerhood while it's here, because they DO grow up fast!

I have a poem in the nursery that says something to this effect. Go away Cobwebs, Dust go to sleep, I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.

Oh, one thing that did help with my oldest when she was about the same age as your son. When I did the dishes, I set a small pot of soapy water in front of her on the floor. She happily played in the water, and when dishes were done, all I had to do was give a couple of swishes with a rag and her mess was cleaned up, too. Another thought: have him in the high chair and give him some cheerios or something to snack on while you do your kitchen duties. I say cheerios because they are easy to clean up. Better than say, yogurt. But give him whatever isn't too messy.

Or if you can stand a few minutes of crying, put him in a playpen while you do what you need to do. He can either cry a few minutes or play with something in there (safely contained!). A few minutes of crying isn't cruel, and afterwards, you can give him some special attention for waiting for you. Eventually, he may learn that he will get you as soon as you are done and won't cry. If he isn't too heavy, you can try to put him in a sling to carry around with you. A sling is a lifesaver during infant months, but with big babies (like mine, all hit 20 pounds at 6 months), tends to be a back breaker during toddlerhood.

And even Flylady says that it's hard to fly with small children! So don't beat yourself up!

You sound like a FUN mom! You are doing a great job playing with him, and will learn to entertain himself when he gets a little older. Flylady also says "housework done incorrectly is still done!". In other words, it doesn't have to be done perfect or a certain way!