Independent Play For Kids – 5 Ways To Encourage It

Want to know how to encourage independent play in kids? Here are 5 easy ways to get them playing on their own.

Let’s chat about independent play for kids.

If you want to know how to encourage independent play, you are in exactly the right spot.

Many parents assume that playing is an activity that just comes naturally to all kids and that all kids do it instinctively.

It may surprise you to learn that hey this is not always true.

Play time often needs to be encouraged in children to get them to do it more often and those who don’t play enough are more likely to do worse in school.

Especially as they get older, focusing too much on homework without adequate rest and play can actually lead to lower grades.

It’s therefore important to encourage play time and help your kids find a balanced approach to life.

So how can we do this? Lucky for you I have outlined 5 key parenting strategies to encourage more play time in kids:

HOW TO ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENT PLAY

TIP # 1 – Build play time into the day.

Kids today are often over-scheduled to the maximum.

They have school, ballet, tutoring, sports, and other activities that keep them busy. However, they also need play time and the chance to be kids.

Instead of scheduling every minute of your child’s day with enriching activities, build time into the day for them to play freely. That free time needs to be intentionally built and set in your schedule.

Play time that isn’t structured or regulated is important for a child’s development. This is why it’s so important that we include it.

Children need the ability to rest and unwind as much as adults do. Play time lets them explore their imaginations and step away from the difficulties of school. So make sure you have allocated this time into their day.

HOW TO ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENT PLAY

TIP # 2 – Let children play outside.

Children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to have allergies and asthma. So outdoor play can help them stay healthy.

By playing outside, children don’t have to worry about making a mess or ruining the dining room carpet. They have more freedom outdoors and can use their imagination to build new ideas.

Spending more time outdoors also helps children develop their curiosity.

Improvisation and spontaneity can develop at higher levels in children who spend more time playing outside. How can you encourage them to play outside more often?

Can you get them to play a game of soccer or basketball? Can you set up a sand pit or trampoline? Try to make the outside world as exciting as it is indoors.

HOW TO ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENT PLAY

TIP # 3 – Put away the electronic games.

Although your children can play with electronic games once in a while, it’s important that they also play with other toys. They learn to use their skills and abilities in different ways.

Electronic games can be fun and keep kids from being bored. However, they also stifle imaginations and prevent invention. Do your best to limit these interactions.

Children benefit from creating their own games and using their minds to play. Give them the tools they need to play without the need for screen-time.

This can include playing with Lego, building blocks, paints, playdough or anything else that incites curiousity in them.

HOW TO ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENT PLAY

TIP # 4 – Supervise without interfering.

One of the most difficult things for parents to do is to supervise play time without interfering, giving suggestions, or making comments.

You can watch your children, but avoid telling them how to play unless they specifically ask for your help. You don’t need to demonstrate how to play with a doll or how to build a fort.

Allow your children to benefit from the process of learning to play. Give them the chance to play freely without the need for adult interruption.

If you interfere with their play time, children may become afraid to play on their own and scared to play differently from the way you show. Let them decide what they want to do with their free time as opposed to you always feeling the need to dictate the rules.