10 Ways To Encourage Independent Play In Toddlers

Promoting independence is an key element of parenting. The independency starts from playing that helps a toddler in other works too. Encouraging independent play in toddlers is not just because a parent needs a coffee break. But it is majorly done for a toddlers development that helps them to be more capable. Nothing is too late nor too early while dealing with children, as everyone has their own pace. But then it is always better to start early. Here are 10 ways to encourage independent play in toddlers.

I am sure every parent once thought its impossible to encourage their child for self play. As children have the gravity towards their parents. The little ones have the tendency to cling to their parents. It’s very simple, children feel secured and comfortable when their parents are around them. But life is not so simple to stay in the shell for ever. So its better teach our child to play independently and over separation anxiety.

Understanding Independent Play In Toddlers

Firstly, let’s understand what is independent play in toddlers.

Self play in toddlers is the habit of children playing by themselves. They engage with some toys or any activities while being supervised by parents. It is a way to allow them to explore on their own, using their own creativity and ideas.

Stages Of Independent Play In Toddlers

As each child is different so have different progress pattern for each little one. Children grow on their own pace and parent should embrace their developmental stage. Generally there are 5 stages of independent play in early childhood. Keeping in mind these stages are not immutable, some children need extra time or support to reach each milestones.

Stage 1 : Solitary Play (6 to 12 months)

During this stage toddlers observe their surroundings and enjoys. It is the first step to play alone without actively engaging with other kids.

Stage 2 : Spectator Play (12 to 18 months)

In this stage toddler pays attention to other children playing and try to understand the pattern or imitate their actions.

Stage 3 : Parallel Play (18 to 24 months)

During this stage toddlers play alongside with other children with their own toys but doesn’t get engage with other children.

Stage 4 : Associative Play (2 to 3 years)

In this stage toddlers start taking interest in interacting with other children playing and learn to play in turns.

Stage 5 : Cooperative Play (3 to 4 years)

This stage shows the development of toddlers where they join other children and love to play with them in group. They learn to communicate with other children in the game to achieve common goal.

10 Ways To Encourage Independent Play In Toddlers

Independent play in toddlers have many benefits in their growing process. Self play helps a child to be more creative, imaginative, learn to solve problems and many more. So it is always good to encourage your child for self play from beginning. Every child grows at their own pace. Here are some ways to help your toddler learn to play independently.

1) Safe space

Yes, this is essential for a toddler to play. You can’t expect a child to play where there are so many hurdles within their playing space. Everytime when you say don’t go there or here, you child looses interest in the play. And he will have the tendency to stay with you only to have a safer zone. So make sure you allot a free and safe place for your child to explore during his play time.

2) Age Appropriate Toys

Children will get bored easily if they find toys too easy to play or too tough to understand. They will show interest in playing only when they get their level of toys. So to encourage them to play independently you have to offer them age appropriate toys that they will find interesting. So that they can spend some time to explore them.

You may like to read : Age Appropriate Toys For Kids

3) Make A Routine

It’s obvious that toddlers will play most of the time. But still fixed a time in a day when you will encourage them to play alone like without parents involvement. At that time give them something that they would like to fix or correct. And don’t interrupt them while they are engaged doing something during this time. This way they will love their independence while playing and will love to play by themselves.

You may like to read : Establishing Bed Time Routine For Kids

4) Avoid Screen Exposure

Exposure to screen during early years of children have negative impact on them. Children looses concentration and focus due to exposure of screen from early age. They face difficulties in learning and understanding any new activity or games. And this leads to poor motor skills development in toddlers, engaging in activities alone seems to be challenging for them.

5) Start Playing Together

To encourage your toddler to play independently, start playing together. At first you play together, explain about the game, so that your toddler will find interest in the game. Soon your child gets engrossed in the game, slowly move out from the game. And let your child play independently.

6) Avoid interrupting your child’s play

Resist the urge to intervene your child’s play, as it will divert their focus. And then they may want you to play with them. Your positive comments will drag their focus away and break their concentration. So be around them but don’t comment or interrupt their game.

7) Encourage Problem Solving

Offer open end toys like blocks, play-doh that have multiple ways to play and explore. And explain your child the ways to continue. This enhances creativity among toddlers as they explore in a multiple ways to create something new. And in this process they will try to overcome the hurdles by themselves that improves their problem solving skill.

8) Reinforce Exploration

Toddlers must be allowed to explore. It is important to raise their curiosity to encourage exploration. Hence create an atmosphere where kids will actively engage in the activities. Offer them various options to try out new things enthusiastically. And this leads to the self-play mode of toddlers.

9) Set Sensory Play Area

Sensory rich playing activates a child’s senses through touch, sound, sight, smell and taste. Toddlers learn through experiencing various kinds of objects with different textures. Sensory plays help children to explore in their own ways and at their own pace.

10) Set Realistic Expectations

Don’t go overboard and assume long time self play for toddlers. Try to keep patience, every child takes their own time to settle by themselves. Just keep try to encourage them to explore on their own. Initially just let them few minutes on their own that too under your supervision. Later the time of independent play will keep increasing as they grow up.

Final Thoughts

Independent play in toddlers is an important aspect of their development. It is always better to start early. Though every child is different but right approach at right time will surely encourage a child to play independently. Parents should deal with patience and try the above strategies to help their child to self-play. Independent play in toddlers fosters creativity and confidence. It also aids in the development of motor skills. Support them in playing and exploring on their own with positive reinforcement.

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