9 tips to better let your child play alone

Would you like your child to be able to play alone for a while, without you, friends? American mother Alanna Gallo is a parent coach and shares her best tips with you.

As a parent you sometimes need some time for yourself. Or simply to fold the laundry or finally tidy up the kitchen properly. So it’s nice if your child is having a good time without being entertained by others. And also important, because independent play is good for the development of your child. For example, for perseverance, problem-solving thinking and critical thinking. So work to do!

Children have become so used to constant entertainment that they soon find it boring to play alone. But, you get it done easier than you might think…

1. The ‘yes’ space

Make sure you have a room in your house where it is always safe to play, so that you don’t have to be on top of it all the time. Call this the yes space, in which everything is possible and allowed, because there are no risks.

2. Out of sight…

…from the heart. And that’s totally okay! Try to make the yes space so that your child feels like he or she is all alone. So not within the line of sight of you or your partner. In this way you stimulate your child to play independently and it is easier for them to enter their own fantasy world. This way they can completely immerse themselves in their game. It also helps them figure things out on their own, rather than calling for help directly.

3. Type of toy

Toys that require batteries (think: lights, talking, dancing and learning) seem very attractive to your child at first glance, but are actually quite limiting. You can’t do much with it. Give your child some more ‘open-ended’ toys, such as blocks, boxes, play sand or other toys with loose parts. This way you ensure that they can play much more creatively and (hopefully!) last longer.

4. Little Leaders

Put your child in charge. Actually in line with point 2: take a step back and follow your child. Keep in mind that every child is different, even within one family. Take a good look at what your child likes to do the most and see if you can adjust the toys and your activities accordingly.

5. Less is more

Less toys! Yes, ‘less is more’ is really true in this case. Research shows that children who have fewer toys experience a better quality of play because they play with their toys more creatively and with more imagination. Children with mountains of toys are more likely to be distracted and overwhelmed. Time to clean things up a bit!

6. Rethink

Tidying up: you mainly do that for yourself, right? Try organizing things the way your child would like to see it. Which toy does your child pick up first? Put that up for grabs. Think carefully about what you put in closed containers and what in open containers. This way your child needs less help to grab the toys he or she prefers to play with.

7. Planning

Schedule time to play independently and practice it. This way your child can get used to it. Don’t give up and above all don’t give in! You can set a timer and make it longer each time. For example, start with 5 minutes a day. Keep in mind the right moment. A hungry, tired or overstimulated child will not be so easily entertained…

8. Out and about!

Get out and about in the great outdoors. Playing alone does not always have to be indoors, that is also fine in the garden, park or playground. Give your child the opportunity to discover nature on their own, but of course with you at a safe distance.

9. Let it go

Let go of your guilt. You don’t have to entertain your child all day long. As you have already read, it is actually good for your child to play alone as well.

Source: Whatsupmoms.com

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