The importance of independent, unstructured play. The real purpose of play. Intensive mothering and the pressure to play. How to start backing out of play. How to let our children play without judgement. What if i told you that you didn’t have to play with your child all day? Play holds great importance for your child’s development—even when their playtime is on their own! Playing alone, an activity we call independent play, can be an important time for your child to explore and learn more about themselves. Independent play can help with: Solo play means they need to come up with all the ideas. How to encourage your child to play independently. Each child is different, of course, and you often have a feel for what is bound to work with your child’s learning. Try the following ideas to promote independent play: Start when kids are young. Encouraging children to play on their own from the very beginning makes the practice a natural. While play does come naturally to children, many parents engage their children in play unnecessarily, which can create a dependence on us. When we reintroduce independent play, children discover they are capable of creating their own fun through play. Children need independent play to create worlds in which they are the masters and the directors, and in which they can truly find themselves. It’s never too early or too late to encourage meaningful, independent play. Here are some tips for promoting independent play in babies, toddlers, and beyond. Independent play refers to a child’s ability to entertain themselves without constant adult supervision or involvement. This comprehensive article will delve into the benefits of independent play, supported by research, expert advice, and practical tips for encouraging independent play in your child. Phrases like “let them play” and “kids should be playing” are shouted out effortlessly, but rarely information on how to get kids to play comes with it. For some children, independent play is easier said than done.
