Creative Ways for Kids to Independent Play
Teaching your children independence in life is super useful for you to be able to get more done during time at home, improve your kids’ self confidence and life skills, and allow your little ones to grow. Independence looks different for every age, but one of the best ways it can appear is in playing since kids need to play for entertainment and development. How can you set your little ones up for success when it comes to learning how to independently play more often? Here are some creative ways for kids to independent play you can try in your home to reap these benefits and teach some independence in your kiddos.
Play Stations
We all know that kids have very short attention spans at times, and often live in the mindset of “out of sight, out of mind”. This means the less available their toys that you want them to use are; the less they will think of and use them. Try creating some play stations around your home with kid-friendly entertainment and comfort, bonus points if they are close to where you tend to work or be in the home so your kid can be near you for supervision if necessary.
Functional Decor
Some of the items you can buy for your house can also function for play, such as little forts, mini play kitchens, and more. You can even go as far as things like an indoor jungle gym for home which can give your kids valuable exercise while being independent and having some fun. Functional decor can be for many age ranges and interest groups, which is why EZPlay Jungle Gyms’ products can be so great because they last longer and have a wide variety.
Inspire Creativity
Creativity is a healthy trait to encourage. You can make fun games and ideas for your kids ahead of time for when they need some creativity boost or ideas to independently play, so that your day goes more smoothly. For example, your children can have some time set aside to do safe crafts or art projects independently or you can give them ideas for imagination play based on their interests.
Split Up Time
Independence isn’t just going to suddenly appear to your little ones, especially at younger ages. Try to find interactive ways to split up the time. Let them create a show or play for you to watch when they’re done, start off play time with you involved and then step away. Functional decor concepts like an indoor jungle gym for home could mean your children can make something or show you things periodically for some interaction without you having to fully be present 24/7.
Make it Special
If you have the space and time to, setting up special zones or decorations, helping them make their room more fun, gathering craft or art supplies for a kid space of their own, or making those play stations like mentioned earlier can be a major tool in making independent play possible and enjoyable for your kids. A little time creating a fun and unique space for their play can go a long way in making this a positive thing that your little ones will want to return to time and time again.
Just like how teaching something like math, reading, or cooking can help your child in a variety of ways; independence and creativity can be just as excellent for their minds and bodies. Finding ways to work with your available space and tools can be pretty difficult sometimes, especially, when you’re feeling frustrated or need some alone time while your kids play right in the moment. This list can help you get some really fun thoughts for ways your kids can independent play in your home in the future.