Your Child Won’t Play Alone? Try This Simple Approach

Does your child want you involved in every minute of play? Independent play is a skill — and some children need time and practice to build it. In this video, you’ll learn a simple, realistic way to help your preschooler become more comfortable playing independently — without expecting them to suddenly play alone for 30 minutes. We’ll cover how to: • choose familiar activities that require less help • simplify the play environment • stay nearby without directing every step • choose the right time of day to practice • start with just a few successful minutes • gradually reduce your involvement • avoid interrupting deeply engaged play • respond when your child keeps calling you back • avoid common independent play mistakes Independent play doesn’t mean your child has to be alone in another room. The goal is to help them gradually become more comfortable creating ideas, making choices, solving small problems, and keeping their own play going. Start small. A few successful minutes can be exactly where the skill begins.