With everything happening the way it is in the world right now, many of us find ourselves working from home. And if not already, we may find ourselves learning how to work from home! This is not the easiest task when you have small children – and yes, I am speaking from experience. Do you have trouble working at home because your kids cling to you? Do they complain that they’re bored when you try to limit screen time?
If working from home is the case for you, then if there were ever a time to teach your children how to self entertain, it would be now. Teaching your children to entertain themselves could be just the solution you need. Sure, you’ll enjoy more peace and productivity. But there’s an even better perk to this – your kids will develop important life skills while they have fun playing on their own.
This kind of transformation will require some practice. Take a deep breath, keep on reading, and follow this guide to encouraging independent play.
What Are the Benefits?
Build confidence. Let your child tackle manageable challenges and try to overcome obstacles on their own. With each new accomplishment, they’ll learn to believe in themselves and their abilities.
Support learning. Screen time can be educational, but active learning has its advantages. Children tend to pay attention longer, retain more information, and strengthen their cognitive skills.
Inspire creativity. Imaginative play is fundamental to your child’s development. It will help them to solve problems, tolerate uncertainty, and collaborate with others.
Reduce stress. Your child needs quiet time too. Independent play gives your child a chance to tap into their inner resources while you take care of other responsibilities.
Encouraging Independent Play:
Minimize directions. Let your child take the lead instead of telling them how to play. Maybe they want to treat their dolls to backyard barbecues instead of tea parties.
Progress gradually. Introduce solo play a little at a time. Depending on their age and personality, your child might start with 10-minute sessions and work their way up. Check out my post on the importance of teaching children patience.
Remain accessible. Your child will probably be more cooperative if you stay close by. Check in on them frequently or let them know when you’re available for interruptions.
Design a safe space. Create a childproof play area where kids can explore freely. You want to keep your child feeling comfortable and inspired, in a way that keeps you feeling comfortable as well.
Make a list. On the other hand, your child might appreciate some ideas. Brainstorm things they can do on their own like playing cards and jumping rope. It’s always a good idea to have things handy that keep their hands working creatively. Have some modeling clay or play dough on hand.
Avoid over-stimulation. Children can feel overwhelmed if they have too many toys to choose from. Rotate the collection to keep things interesting. See what happens when they take a break from electronic toys to make up their own uses for cardboard boxes.
Provide appropriate toys. To avoid frustration, pick games and toys that are suited to your child’s age and abilities. It’s okay for them to be a little challenging. Try getting toys for them which combine learning with crafts, such as toys from Green Kid Crafts or Creation Crate. These will help keep them busy while getting them used to spending time with crafts.
Offer rewards. Give your child credit for making an effort. Praise them for playing on their own. Share a special activity together after they’ve been amusing themselves for a while.
Create daily routines. Children thrive on consistency and structure. Make independent play a part of your daily activities. They’ll get used to managing on their own when you’re attending video conference calls or doing the laundry.
Maximize quality time. It may also help to pay extra attention to your child before you leave them on their own. Read a bedtime story together and then give them the book to look through by themselves before they fall asleep.
Schedule playdates. Socializing with other kids instead of parents can also count as independent play. Help your child to make friends and play well with others.
Be flexible. On the other hand, there will be times when you’ll need to adapt. Most children go through stages when they need more attention and comfort temporarily. It often happens during stressful events or major changes like a new baby or going back to school in the fall.
You can balance spending time with your kids and giving them room to rely on themselves. Independent play makes parenting easier and more effective. You gain more time for yourself, and your children learn how to become happy and resilient adults.
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