Independent play is one of the best parenting tools you can use. It has so many well-documented benefits for brain development and health, and it teaches your child to be independent.
One of the ways to get started is by having the right toys and know which activities to encourage. Below I’ve listed five examples of independent play activities for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.
Let’s take a look.
1. Dress up
Most boys and girls like to play dress up or pretend. If you’re wondering how to encourage independent play, try some pretend toys. It could be costumes like Spiderman or Hulk for boys or Elsa from Frozen if you have a girl.
Other fun toys could be a doctor set or a hammer and screwdriver.
2. Building
From an early age, kids like to build and create things. To stack bricks and make two pieces fit together – it’s great fun. Just before they head into toddlerhood, babies can play with building blocks, and as they grow older, Lego is always a safe bet.
I recommend starting out with Duplo as they’re twice the length, height, and width as regular Lego bricks and therefore easier to handle and play with.
3. Building a blanket fort
This requires a little work from your end, but it’s an enjoyable activity for the whole family. This is what to do: Put a mattress on the floor, then set up a few chairs and throw some blankets and pillows over them to create a blanket fort. You can also go for a premade teepee, but I find that the building process is part of the fun.
By building a blanket or pillow fort, you create a safe place where they can play solo. They can use it however they like (for instance take a nap, play with a flashlight or eat some snacks that you’ve made for them).
4. Playing kitchen
My oldest son is nearly 4 years old, and one of his favorite ways to play solo is in his kitchen. We bought him an IKEA kitchen and put it up in our kitchen so he can stand right next to me when I cook. He has pots and pans, various play food, and a kitchen machine, which he has a lot of fun with. A play kitchen is a super fun way to play independently, while you can get some work done around the house.
Pro tip: You should check out the IKEA kids products (I highly recommend an IKEA registry baby, too).
5. Digging in sand
This is something your little one can do in your backyard, the park (if there’s a sandbox) and at the beach. A bucket, shovel, a baking set are must-haves.
A sandbox is the perfect place for your kids to let their imaginations soar. Other notable benefits of sandbox play is that it strengthens finger and hand muscles and improves coordination. Most importantly, it’s just super fun for kids, even when it rains – then they can make mud cakes.
Comments(0)