How to Encourage Your Child to Play Independently

Children learn best through unstructured play. With that being said, a well set up play environment is beneficial. 

Whether you have a whole room to dedicate, a corner in the living room, a combination with your child's bedroom, or anything in between, you can do this!

I want to emphasize that you do not need to give your child(ren) access to all of their toys at once. You don't even have to have an entire set of something out. For example, if you have a 20 pack of community helpers, only put out five at a time. 

If you would like a guide on how to set up a play area go grab one of my playroom guides from etsy. In this guide I break down the five areas of play and how you can set up a play area to get the most out of it. 

The first way I encourage my one year old to play independently by letting her play with things as long as they are safe. Sometimes she plays with our food storage tubs in the kitchen, my scrunchies in my bathroom, or she will pull stuff out of my nightstand. I only keep things that are safe for her to have in places I know she can reach. This way she is exploring and I can be productive in a room without toys.

Another way I encourage independent play is by providing inviting open ended toys. Most of our toys are Montessori inspired. I put each toy on a tray so she can easily remove it and put it down somewhere to play. Providing the open ended toys is essential for independent play because she is the one doing the work. It isn't batteries making a toy do the work. 

Lastly, I try to not intervene when I see that she is playing well. I will respond if she says something to me, but while she is playing, I let her play. Her little brain is soaking up everything she does. By me not solving her problems, if she runs into an issue, she can work to figure it out. And if she needs help I am willing to help her out. 

Do you have any tips for encouraging children to play independently? Share in the comments and be sure to follow me on instagram @solvingsahm to see behind the scenes how we are playing independently.

I'm glad you're here!

xo Samantha