apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Help!!! I have a 2.5 year old girl who hates to play when we're in the house. I have tried seemingly everything (wooden Montessori-type stuff, stereotypically boyish stuff, instruments, building stuff, puzzles, dress-up, kitchen stuff, Play-doh and art supplies, stickers, outdoor toys like bubbles, a bike and a sandtable, even the good-ol' empty cardboard box). I'm at my wit's end because no matter what I come up with, all she does is cling to my legs and whine for me to read to her. I'm all for fostering a love of books in my child. But, literally, from the moment she wakes up at 6a, to the moment she goes to bed, she wants to be in my lap being read to. Day in and day out, it's either get in the car and drive her to play-dates or the park, or stay home and prepare for LOTS of reading. It's to the point where I can't even take a breath or get anything done in my own home. I only have about three more months before she goes to pre-school, but I don't know if I'm going to make it with my sanity intact. PLEASE, tell me there are some other restless kids out there and let me know what you've done (not TV-related, please) to tame them.

My son is pretty restless and doesn't like to play alone. He does enjoy lego duplos though. The themed sets come with people, etc. Also, sometimes I will put water in several pots and pans (in the back yard) and give him various kitchen utensils and smaller cups and dishes. That keeps him entertained for a little while. And he's really fascinated with tape- a roll of tape keeps him interested (it just ends up on everything in my house). Good luck- I feel your pain!