err, 10-15 minute sounds about right for a 16 month old attention span (bit long for some)..I can't see my youngest doing much more, though she is described as 'content'!
As to the door, try saying 'yes, in 5 minutes'..then regardless of his attitude, play something fun for 5 minutes before getting your shoes on (or do 5 minutes of work) once that is easy for him to wait (in a month or two) move to 10 minutes. (if you can't take 5 minutes of him 'waiting', try 2, or 1, or whatever)
My cousin has a VERY active toddler (almost 3 now) and he is a handful, but he has learned good things come to those who wait. Mom has to constantly be on the ball with good things for him of course (fun activities, not food). I assume you already make sure he has limited sugar, fake dyes, and lots of healthy protein/sleep.
getting blocks out only to have to clean them up in 5 minutes sounds silly, but it is worth it, and having him pick up one toy while you do 10 is still him helping you clean, and still him learning a very good skill.
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