Babies and toddlers experience rapid brain development during their first formative years. By age three, a child’s brain is about 80% through its development. Independent play helps children:
- Build fine motor skills.
- Develop critical thinking skills.
- Gain confidence and independence.
Why is independent play important? We’re going to explain what this concept is, its benefits and how you can encourage it in your baby.
Learn how to encourage independent play with Little Partners products.
What Is Independent Play and Why Is It Important?
Group activities and hands-on encouragement are a crucial part of raising a child. You can impart a lot of wisdom to your children.
But, independent play breaks free from these molds to allow babies and toddlers to:
- Learn on their own.
- Experiment with their abilities.
- Use creativity and imagination.
- Become socially independent.
Parents and caregivers allow children to remain active with their own devices. You have a responsibility to avoid interrupting or engaging with the child, even if it’s tempting.
Want to know how to get toddlers to independent play?
Allow them the time and freedom to be by themselves. You can still maintain a watchful eye from afar without being hands-on. It’s a beneficial experience that babies need to grow.
Benefits of Independent Play
Learning and development require input from multiple stimulus points. Group activities build social skills and spur growth, but they’re one part of the whole.
Independent play for babies:
- Builds imagination and creativity.
- Helps improve social skills.
- Enhances problem-solving skills.
- Gives kids a chance to recharge.
Is independent play good for toddlers? Yes. It’s much more than a break for caregivers; it’s about building vital life skills.
Solitary play allows children to focus on just toys or activities while blocking out everything else that’s going on around them. Your child can “space out,” and it’s normal behavior that requires encouragement at younger ages.
You may want to join in on the fun and provide your own input during playtime, but make time for both types of activities.
Encouragement at all stages of development is necessary and should start from the baby stage to preschool.
When to Encourage Independent Play Based on Your Child’s Age
Babies have different needs than toddlers or kids who are approaching preschool. Parents must adjust their approach in three main categories:
Independent Play for Babies (0-12 Months)
Observe and monitor any child within the zero to twelve-month range. Children in this group remain limited, but that doesn’t mean they can’t play.
You just need to keep a watchful eye.
Learning how to encourage independent play in babies is simple:
- Provide toys and blocks.
- Add sound and light toys.
- Leave the child on their tummy and encourage movement.
Mirrors work great for this age group, too. Prop the child up in front of one and watch as they laugh, giggle and explore.
Activities can advance at seven months and up when mobility increases.
Toddler Independent Play (1-3 Years)
Ages one to three are all about toys and providing the right “tools” to the child. You can offer:
- Easy puzzles.
- Play gyms.
- Stickers.
- Sticky walls.
- Blocks.
- Magnets.
Source age-appropriate toys with a focus on independent play for toddlers. Art supplies, drawing pads and the like can occupy a young mind for hours.
Experiment to see what works best for your child.
Preschool Independent Play (3-5 Years)
Ages three to five will involve toys, books and giving kids “jobs.” You can expand independence by:
- Letting the child tend to the garden.
- Providing learning towers for simple kitchen tasks.
- Giving young arts easels to play with.
You can promote learning and playtime with hands-off activities that allow the child to explore on their own.
How to Encourage Independent Play
Caregivers must do two things very well: offer the child-free time and avoid interrupting them. Add in the right toys and children will learn on their own.
You naturally know how to encourage independent play, but a few tips to help include:
- Create a space for these activities.
- Offer toys that are age-appropriate and do not frustrate the child.
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Set time aside for this type of learning.
Monitor babies and toddlers to avoid injuries or accidents. But also allow them their own space.
Independent Play Ideas for Toddlers and Babies
Building Toys
Blocks are one of the simplest ways to promote independent play for toddlers. Kids can build whatever they want using their imaginations. They learn to solve problems at the same time (when blocks fall, they want to know why and how to fix it).
Sticker Books
An activity book is a great way to get kids to play independently. Let them pick out their stickers or choose ones that feature their favorite characters.
You can even use our foldable learning tower to help your little one play safely close by if you’re in the kitchen.
Finger Painting
Creative toddler independent play ideas allow kids to let their imaginations run wild. Give your child finger paints and set up an art easel to let them have fun with this activity. Watch as your little ones become immersed in their own world as they paint.
Pretend Play
Older toddlers love activities that let them tell stories. Open-ended toys like dolls and action figures stimulate the imagination. Let your child pick out these toys and observe their creativity as they play.
Common Challenges When Encouraging Independent Play and How to Overcome Them
Trouble Playing Solo
There are many benefits of independent play for toddlers, but some toddlers struggle to play alone. They need constant guidance and always want their parents to be involved.
Parents can solve this issue in a few ways. The first step is to acknowledge the child’s feelings. Next, continue to be persistent. Don’t interrupt and make it a part of their daily routine.
Lack of Inspiration
Parents must provide the right environment for toddler independent play. Kids need toys that help them use their imaginations.
They also need a safe area to play. Our children's step stool helps children reach high places to play on their own.
Conclusion
Children of all ages benefit greatly from independent play. They gain confidence and build their creativity. Use the guide above to teach your kids how to manage their own fun.
Little Partners creates furniture that helps kids play on their own. View our selection today!
FAQ
What Is Independent Play?
It’s exactly what it sounds like – kids play on their own. Parents or caregivers are still nearby to keep an eye on things. But the goal is to encourage a child to manage their own fun.
How To Encourage Independent Play In Toddlers?
Kids aged 1 to 3 are curious. That trait can help them learn to entertain themselves. Parents can promote toddler independent play with the right toys, such as:
- Blocks
- Cars
- Dolls
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Musical instruments
A child can easily make up stories and use their imaginations with open-ended toys like these.
How To Teach Independent Play?
The best way to get kids to learn on their own is to let them be. Set up a safe area nearby with toys. Don’t get involved or oversee their playtime.
Parents must learn how to promote independent play. Children need space to be themselves and allow their imaginations to shine.
Why Is Independent Play Important?
Children who learn to play alone develop important skills. They improve their imagination and creativity. They solve problems and socialize better. These are just some of the advantages of solo playtime.
Parents must learn how to teach independent play to help kids enjoy these benefits.
Is Independent Play Good For Babies?
Yes! Children of all ages benefit from solo play. Experts recommend parents encourage independent play for babies as early as possible.