Kiddipedia
Let’s be honest – all parents sometimes dream of a child playing independently for as long as possible, while mom or dad could do all their household chores combining them with their remote work. The paradox of the situation is that often the parents themselves become the reason why the child does not want to play on his own. In this article, we’ll uncover independent play secrets that will work for you.
Create a Space for Baby Playing
It does not have to be a children’s room, any special place designated for this will be suitable. The main thing is for the child to know that this is the place of his free choices, and he can do whatever he wants (while staying safe) and play as he wants.
Teach Your Child How to Play
If he masters a game well with you, then he will be able to play it himself. Independent play baby should know several different and interesting games that are equally engaging with parents and without their participation.
Introduce the Child to Your Shores
Helping mom and dad, the child learns to repeat after you and behave correctly and safely. For example, a little helper in the kitchen will be happy to “cook” a soup from pieces of specially selected potatoes and carrots for at least half an hour, and playing with water can captivate kids for hours.
Hint! Give your child unbreakable utensils and allow him to play with real material, such as washed vegetables, cereals, and water.
Diversify the impressions to make the baby quickly learn how to find something interesting on his own. For example, watering flowers is an easy and engaging task for a 3 years old baby.
Always Stay in Sight
Sit down next to or within sight of your child and go about your business. And let the baby make an independent play, sometimes coming to you for advice or to share the news and results.
Accept That Infants Playing Can`t Be Long as You Would Like It to Be
If your baby is up to two years old, you should not expect him to be able to play independently. Understand and accept that your child needs you now and buy a baby sling or a baby chaise lounge. It will greatly facilitate your life and free up your hands for household chores and work tasks.
By the way, if now you are working or studying from home, as most parents do, keep in mind that you may always ask for help. For example, you may check writing services reviews on the Best Writers Online or Online Writers Rating and hire a freelance writer to help you with academic, content writing, and marketing tasks.
Make the Child Interested
Leaving the children’s room, leave the child with this bait: open the door of a closet full of interesting but safe things, “forget” your bag, put a stack of old postcards in a prominent place. Babies play toys will not always be able to interest the child as something unknown and full of mysteries.
Throw in New “Old” Toys Regularly
Right now, take a few toys that your child rarely plays with and move them out of their sight. After a week, return these toys unexpectedly. Children are not yet able to remember anything for too long, so the “new old” toys will be a pleasant surprise and a good reason to give you half an hour of rest.
Provide Your Little One With a Few Hours of Full Communication
Perhaps your child constantly asks you to play with him, not because he does not know how to do it on his own, but because he wants your attention. Yes, it is difficult to keep a balance between work and family in a post-pandemic environment.
However, try to find two full hours for communication, playing, hugs and kisses, and walking. Many children already at the age of three are able to understand when their parents are busy, and when is the right time to ask them for attention.
Understand Your Child
It is very important to understand your child and feel his interest. If the mother is “on the same wavelength” with the child, then the question of what to do with him and how to teach him to play independently rarely arises.
Praise and Reward for Independent Play
“I loved the way you played with these cars!”, “You did your best when drawing this flower!”, “Thank you for playing together with your sister/brother, I’m so proud of you!”. These phrases are the key to your success.
Suggest Ideas for Further Games
Increase the complexity of the game stories gradually, adding conditions, offering various events. Take all these “complications” from real life. The doll is dirty – it needs to be washed; the bear is hungry – it needs to be fed; the machine broke down – maybe there is no gasoline, etc. Suggest interesting ideas on how to continue a game, and your kid will learn to come up with his own ones.
Conclusion
Teaching a kid to play independently is not so difficult as may seem. Surely, you should be patient, and adjust your expectations according to your baby’s age. Independent play skills development is the first contribution to independent living skills formation, so this stage is very important for your kid. Teach him to do everything right, and you will be grateful to yourself in the future.
Melissa Mauro is a self-improvement author who is always interested in new projects. She wants to create her own writer brand, that’s why Melissa is looking for fresh platforms for the implementation of her ideas. Creativity and unique style make it possible to deliver valuable and engaging content to her ideal reader.
