Independent play is something that is extremely beneficial to not only give parents a little “me time,” it is also important for toddlers as it helps them to reach important developmental milestones. Therefore, encouraging independent play is a win-win for everyone and here’s how to help your little one do it!

1. Add play time to the schedule

According to the experts at Motherly.com, “adding at least a structured half an hour to your daily flow where you can be present at least for the first few minutes to guide them into play can do wonders in teaching children how to play independently.”

Set the alarm and add play to the to-do list. By kicking-off playtime with your little one, they will get used to you being there with them for a few minutes and then they will also get used to you leaving them for a few minutes to wash the dishes, cook dinner, or simply put your feet up for a bit. You can turn it into a game of sorts. For example, if you are building blocks, you tell them that you are going to build a structure and you do. Then, you tell the that you want to see what they can build. Once they get started, that’s your cue to exit stage left!

2. Stay close, but not too close

“We often call independent play “playing alone” but the reality is that for young children below the age of five, to be deeply engaging in play they need us close enough to feel safe and secure,” said Holly Peretz in her Motherly article.

So, just how do you accomplish this? Well, get play started and say to your little one, “I’ll be right back, keep doing X.” Then, come straight back. Do this for a few times during independent play. Let them see you there, but don’t interrupt too much. If they are successfully slaying the dragon without you, then take that as a win!

3. Keep the toys to a minimum.

You know how it feels when you have too many choices, it can be a bit overwhelming. Well, when it comes to little’s and too many toys to chose from, the feelings are pretty much the same.

A research study proved the “less is more” theory is absolutely true when it comes to toddlers and toys. The study focused on two groups of toddlers. One group had four toys and the other sixteen. The group with less toys supported they hypothesis by playing longer and more creatively.

4. The type of toys definitely matter.

At this age, children are sponges and are learning about shapes, textures, sounds, etc. etc. in every waking moment. In that case, the type of toy that they are engaged with during their independent play time, unquestionably matters.

When choosing toys for your little one, think things like blocks, dolls, tiles, instrumental toys, and overall sensory toys. Leave the big boy and girl toys to when they get to that stage.

5. Set up a dedicated play area nicely.

The visual is everything to you, and it is to your toddler too! Set up their play area in a nice organized manner. Don’t just have play time toys strewn everywhere. When they go to look for X toy, and cannot find it, cue tantrum tears, and nobody wants that. Purchase some little hand friendly baskets and bins, and have them help you set up the area. It’s there’s after all!

And when play time is over, here’s a little song that you can jam out to thanks to the big purple dinosaur who is making a comeback!

Clean up clean up everybody everywhere.

Clean up clean up everybody do your share.

Clean up clean up everybody everywhere.

Clean up clean up everybody do your share.

Clean up clean up everybody everywhere.

Clean up clean up everybody do your share.