Helping Your Child Learn to Play Independently
Helping Your Child Learn to Play Independently With over 30 years of experience working with children, one of the questions I am asked multiple times a year is: “How do I get my child to play by themselves? They want me to entertain them constantly.” If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many parents feel pressure to be constantly engaged, especially during early childhood. The good news is that there are simple, effective steps you can take to help your child feel comfortable, confident, and capable of playing independently. Start by Setting Clear Expectations The first step is to set expectations and clearly communicate them to your child. Whether you are trying to cook dinner, clean up, or work from home, expectations should always be realistic and attainable . For example, you might say: “I am going to wash the dishes, and you can play with your playdough. When I’m finished, we will play a game together.” This approach lets your child know: ...