Helping Your Child Find Opportunities for Independent Play

April 23, 2025•

Pics: 2 pics of kids play independently and looking happy (blocks, playing outside, painting, coloring, playing w/ toys etc— just no electronics or parents involved in the playing)

Seo key words: Positive parenting tips & Advice for parents

Simple Steps to Empower Your Children to Play Independently

Why Independent Play Matters for Your Child's Confidence and Growth

Hey there!

Let’s talk about something that might be on your mind if you’re a parent of a young child — and that’s helping our kids become a little more independent.

Every parent wants to see their child thrive, and a big part of that is teaching them how to do things on their own. But why does this matter so much?

Studies show that when children are given opportunities to play independently, it helps them:

Build their imagination and creativity
Develop cognitive skills
Support their emotional and behavioral needs
Improve communication and literacy skills
Gain independence in other areas of life

When kids can enjoy time playing on their own, they’re learning to trust their own abilities, feel empowered, and gain confidence.

Plus, it gives us parents a little breathing room too, right? Because let’s be honest, it’s important for them (and us) to have some space.

But I get it—encouraging independent play can sometimes feel easier said than done. Maybe your child always wants you to be a part of play time or you’re feeling unsure of how to support them to play by themselves even for just a few minutes

The good news is, there are simple ways to help our kids embrace playing on their own and there are so many benefits to it.

So how do we make this happen?

Let’s dive into one approach that’s worked so well in my home and can do the same in yours.

Gamify It: A Fun Approach to Encourage Independent Play

Here’s my advice for parents that have kids that may be hesitant to do things on their own — gamify it. I’m telling you, it’s both fun and effective.

What I mean by this is, make the experience exciting for your child. Show them how spending time alone to play can be an opportunity to discover the magic within themselves.

I’ll take you step by step with one of my positive parenting tips to support your child to play independently:

__Set a Timer for 10 Minutes
__Start small. Set a timer for just 10 minutes. Let your child help you set the timer or set it themselves. During this time, encourage your child to play, write, draw, read books—whatever they enjoy doing. The important thing is that this time is for them and them alone—no distractions, no interruptions.
__Create a Special Space
__Help your child identify a spot that feels special and is just for them. This could be a cozy corner in their room or a little space in the living room. This is their space to be creative and independent.
__Encourage Choice
__Let your child choose what they want to do during this time. It’s their time to explore whatever they’re drawn to, whether that’s building a tower of blocks, doodling in a notebook, or even doing something outside.
__Celebrate Their Efforts
__When the timer goes off, celebrate the time they’ve spent alone. A great way to do this is by sharing this affirmation with them: “I am powerful, and my bravery shines when I spend time by myself.” It’s a small but powerful way to help them see the importance of their independence and self-worth.

So why does this approach work?

Because when kids learn to find independence, they access a world of creativity, confidence, and empowerment.

With these small steps, you’re giving them an opportunity to hear their inner voice and let it guide them towards a more self-assured life and showing them that their choices and interests matter.

My happy parenting advice here is to help your child create to grow, learn, and discover just how amazing they truly are on their own. You've got this, and so do they!

If you’re looking for more positive parenting tips, I’ve got you! Keep coming back to the blog or find me on my social media accounts! I’d love to hear from you.