A parent of two and board-certified pediatrician, Dr Mona is all about taking the complexity out of parenting. So don’t expect any jargon from her – just relatable, insightful advice. Over the next couple of weeks she’ll be with us to give her answers to burning questions around themes like creative thinking, learning new skills, routine building and much more.
Dr Mona says...
Independent play is beneficial and provides the opportunity to develop essential and lifelong skills. Benefits of independent play include:
Emotional regulation: children learn to entertain themselves and manage their feelings without constant adult intervention.
Fosters autonomy: enables children to make decisions and solve problems on their own, which in turn builds self-confidence by allowing them to take control of their own experiences.
Explore their creativity and imagination: inventing new games, stories, and scenarios that stimulate their minds.
Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills: kids are forced to think for themselves as they encounter and navigate challenges during play.
Most often, independent play needs to be taught and encouraged. Children may naturally have the ability to play along, but they might require guidance to feel comfortable and confident in doing so. It’s most helpful to start independent play from a young age. For infants, independent play involves simple activities like looking at contrasting images and reaching for toys. Then, toddlers often enjoy building blocks or simple puzzles, while preschoolers will engage in imaginative play and storytelling.
When encouraging independent play, it’s essential to consider the space and toys.
The space needs to be safe. When thinking about toys, it’s about the quality of toys rather than the quantity. Open-ended toys are ideal since they can be played with in many ways. The Yoto Player is another ideal choice, especially for children three years and older. The Yoto Player and Mini allow children to explore what inspires them by listening to their favorite songs, stories, and more! Most importantly, it’s safe and free from microphones, cameras, and ads.
Some tips for encouraging independent play:
Do not disturb: Sometimes, you may inadvertently interrupt your child during play. Remind yourself to pause before intervening and allow them time to try themselves initially. When they accomplish or learn something independently, they are proud of themselves!
It’s all about balance: Remember - interactive play is necessary for development and learning. It’s about finding a balance between independent and interactive play. Focus on connection and quality time since even short amounts of one-on-one time can facilitate more independent play.
How do you encourage independent play in your family?