Being Content With Self

Although it can never replace the importance of playing and interacting with your child, all little ones can benefit from some independent play time as well.  When you are playing with your child you have pivotal opportunities to build up her self-esteem, strengthen developmental skills and grow your bond.  When a child can play independently for small periods of time, she is learning how to be content with herself and that being alone to entertain herself is a good thing!

Have designated time each day that your child gets to sit down and play all by herself quietly. I suggest having a special area or a blanket that is used to designate the space. During this special time have a box of toys that are played with only during this time. Puzzles, cars, dolls, and books are a few good choices to name some ideas. Convince your child that this time is exciting and fun by showing enthusiasm in your voice and body movements. Have her sit down, choose one toy and play with it for a short amount of time, five minutes of less, at the beginning and increase the time as she gets more comfortable with this activity. By doing this type of activity your child is learning to play by herself happily and be content in what she is doing. 

Another opportunity to encourage independent play is when you have a small chore or task you need to do.  You can tell your little one that you have some work to do and you need her to play with her toys.  Give lots of praise and encouragement and excite her by letting her know that once mommy is done with her work, the two of you will go for a walk together, or play a game.  Keeping her within earshot, take the opportunity to pay a few bills while you give her this chance to play alone.  Make sure it isn’t too long, for children this age can’t be expected to sustain attention to an activity for more than five to ten minutes. 

Building independent skills in small intervals will give your toddler the confidence to start to tackle bigger tasks in the future.  It’s mind boggling this job we have as parents to set our kids up for success later on in life, isn’t it?