PLAY can be Independent, Boring, Unstructured!
Encouraging children to play independently
Yes, you read that right! Play can be INDEPENDENT, UNSTRUCTURED, AND BORING!
YES, in early childhood, play fosters healthy brain development. Children learn through play. Play is exploring, trying, failing, repeating, figuring it out. Play also promotes the social-emotional, cognitive, language, and self regulation skills that build executive function and a prosocial brain.
BUT, play can be simple. Play can be unstructured and does not have to involve built-in activities. Play can be exploring nature or playing with cardboard boxes. Play can be boring. Play can be without the engagement of parents. Play isn’t the only way parents and caregivers can spend time with children.
The Importance of Independent Play
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents, caregivers, and other adults in a child’s life to play with them. However, the AAP also recommends allowing children to have “unstructured” play time without the engagement of a parent or caregiver, where children take the lead and follow their own curiosity.
A child who is comfortable with independent play is less likely to say that they are bored or don’t know what to do when playmates or electronic devices are unavailable.
Independent play fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. When children are encouraged to solve problems on their own, they come up with endless opportunities.
The self-reliance required to sustain independent play supports a child’s ability to focus.
Letting your child choose how to spend their time also helps develop time management skills.
Learning through play doesn’t mean that it’s a parent’s duty to come up with structured activities, and/or new toys (and no judging if you are able to do that). Children also don’t need to be entertained all the time. In fact, when a child is “bored”, they are encouraged to be creative and problem-solve.
Parents need a break! Besides, you are never really leaving a toddler “alone” without supervision.
Psst…Need some tips on encouraging your child to play independently?