Trying to keep your child constantly entertained can be a real challenge! To relieve some of the stress, start implementing independent play for your child.
Many parents feel guilty about leaving their children to play alone – yet there are benefits for everyone involved! Setting expectations, explaining things clearly to your child and providing helpful resources are all useful ways to encourage independent play.
Benefits of independent play:
Both children and adults will benefit from changing the way that play is perceived in the home. Adults will enjoy a little more time to get things done (or simply relax) whilst children can learn new skills and realise they don’t always need to be accompanied.
- Independent play can help to foster imagination and encourage creative play. There is generally less direction and fewer rules or guidelines to conform with, which can really encourage children to think outside the box.
- When playing independently, children often build up their levels of persistence and can improve their problem solving by trying new approaches. Resilience and patience are also learnt through independent play and these can lead to an increase in confidence in children.
- Children may actually enjoy the chance to decide what they want to do. Their small lives are often incredibly busy and they don’t get a lot of time to simply let their brains be peaceful.
Ways to encourage independent play:
- Start small – children who aren’t used to playing alone may find it challenging to begin with so take your time to build up the amount that your child plays independently by starting small and increasing it gradually.
- Set expectations – make sure your child understands what you expect from them. Explain clearly to them that they are going to play for a set amount of time by themselves but that this isn’t a punishment in any way and that if they need you they can ask for help. It’s also useful to explain the games they won’t be able to play alone or activities such as cutting with scissors or using paints that they’ll need adult help with.
- Come up with activities together – get your child involved in the process from the beginning by asking them for their suggestions on activities they’d like to work on independently. Older children may enjoy tasks like Lego building, whereas younger children may want to play with dolls or do some drawing with crayons.
- Praise independent play – by praising your child and providing positive feedback when they play independently, you’ll be encouraging them to repeat the behaviour on a regular basis.
- Create a dedicated play space – Set up a safe, inviting area specifically designed for your child’s independent play. This could be a corner of the living room or a playroom filled with age-appropriate toys, books, and activities. By having a space where everything is easily accessible, children are more likely to engage in uninterrupted play. Ensure the area feels like their own special zone, and switch out toys periodically to keep things fresh and exciting.
- Use ‘open-ended’ toys – Open-ended toys like building blocks, play dough, or toy animals encourage imagination and allow children to play in multiple ways without strict rules. These toys are excellent for fostering creativity and keeping your child engaged for longer periods. Avoid toys that have a single-purpose function, as they can lead to quick boredom.
- Set a routine for independent play – Incorporate independent play into your child’s daily schedule to make it a regular part of their routine. For instance, you could encourage solo play after breakfast or before nap time. Consistency helps children understand that independent play is a normal and expected activity.
- Model and demonstrate play – If your child is reluctant to play alone, start by demonstrating how to use a toy or engage in an activity. Spend a few minutes playing together, then step back and let your child take over. Gradually reduce your involvement to encourage them to play independently.
- Limit screen time – Too much screen time can dampen a child’s ability to engage in self-directed play. By setting clear boundaries around screens, children will naturally turn to toys, books, and other activities. This fosters a habit of exploring their environment and entertaining themselves without relying on devices.
- Emphasise the benefits to your child – share the advantages of independent play with your child in an age-appropriate way. Let them know that it’s an opportunity to practice making decisions, solve problems, and have fun their own way. When children understand the purpose behind independent play, they may feel more excited to embrace it.
Fun Activities to Promote Independent Play
- Imaginative Role-Play: Provide dress-up clothes, toy kitchens, or action figures for pretend scenarios.
- Arts and Crafts: Simple projects like coloring, sticker books, or threading beads are great solo activities.
- Building and Construction: Toys like Lego, Magna-Tiles, or wooden blocks encourage creative problem-solving.
- Outdoor Exploration: A sandpit, garden tools, or water play stations can keep kids occupied independently outdoors.
- Puzzle Games: Age-appropriate puzzles help build focus and patience.
Independent play is a valuable skill for children that benefits both parents and kids. It fosters creativity, problem-solving, resilience, and confidence while giving parents the freedom to focus on other tasks or relax.
By creating a safe and engaging play space, using open-ended toys, setting routines, and modelling play behaviours, parents can encourage their children to embrace independent play as part of their daily lives. Supporting this habit with positive reinforcement and minimising distractions like screen time helps children grow into self-sufficient and imaginative individuals.
