Inspiring Independent Play

Now that you are home for an extended period of time (this isn’t a snow day!) you may be thinking, “How will I get it all done?” So we would like to share with you some tips to encourage more independent play from your child. As with all learning, it will be a process and won’t happen overnight. However, your child can, and will, learn to play more independently so you can drink that hot cup of coffee, check and respond to your boss’ emails, or make sure that load of laundry actually makes into the dryer this time.

Independent play encourages important cognitive, social, physical, emotional, and problem solving skills. As children grow their ability to play independently for longer periods increases. It is important to remember how old your child is, as well as their temperament, to understand how much independent play they can reasonably sustain. At 6 months a child may play with colorful toys hanging from a play gym for 5-10 minutes. At one year old they may be able to play with stacking toys for up to 15 minutes. At 18 months they may play with their sensory bin for 15-20 minutes, and at two years old, they may play with a train set for 20-30 minutes or more.

First and foremost, make sure your child has a safe place to play. Any room, or even a corner in your home, will work just as long as there are accessible, age appropriate toys. As always, stay near your child to monitor their safety, but as they begin to become immersed in their play, you may be able to move away to give them space to explore on their own.

The novelty of toys always helps to encourage more independence as your child explores and discovers something new. Before you open the Amazon app, check your child’s toy bin for those toys that haven’t been played with in a while. Take them out and put the others away in a box or a closet for now. This way your child will be encouraged to play with their “new” toys and it may spark a whole other level of interest and curiosity.

Lastly, allow your child to play like Sinatra and do it “my way”. Corny, I know, but the point is that child led activities are when your child is using play as an experiment to learn about their world. Give your child the freedom to explore and play in a way that sparks THEIR interest. You can help by using their favorite toys and expanding the play in a new way. If they have a love of dinosaurs, take those toys and let them wash them in a soapy bowl of water. Place the bowl on the kitchen floor with a towel underneath and you just may have enough time to get dinner started.

Do they love their cars and trucks? Build a road on the floor with painter’s tape and see where it takes them. You may have time to check those emails.

Are they obsessed with a certain character? Let them have a tea party with their favorite “guys”. You may be able to drink a second cup of coffee.

Do they just love books and snuggles? Make a cozy fort with blankets and pillows, add a few favorite books and a flashlight and you may be able to fold that laundry after all.

Remember, as with all skills, independent play takes time and practice but you will get there. Also, during these times, your child may also be feeling a bit unsure and may want more of your attention than usual. As they (and we) get used to a new routine, they will feel more comfortable and confident.

Now, go play!