Are you wondering if it’s worth encouraging to foster independent play for young children? Here are some of the amazing benefits of introducing independent play time to your toddlers and young kids.

As a tired and overwhelmed mom I introduced independent play early to my young toddlers, and still to this day, I feel it was the best decision we made as a family. The benefits are so amazing and last a lifetime.

What is Independent Play

The learned (fostered) type of play where children learn to engage in play activities on their own, without constant supervision or direction from adults. During independent play, children have the freedom to explore, create, and entertain themselves using their imagination and creative thinking.

Related Post: How to Encourage Independent Play for your toddler

​Benefits of Independent Play for Toddlers

1. Promotes Creative Play & Imagination

 When children engage in solitary play, they have the freedom to explore their imagination and come up with their own scenarios and storylines. It is unstructured play and is a great way for the child to pursue their own ideas.

2. Encourages Problem-Solving Skills

Without constant adult intervention, children learn to solve problems on their own. They develop critical thinking skills as they figure out how to navigate challenges and obstacles during play. Learning problem solving skills at young ages help dramatically in social interactions with peers in school and other settings.

3. Fosters Social Independence

Independent play helps children develop a sense of self-reliance and confidence. They learn to entertain themselves and rely less on others for constant stimulation. They learn to value and be OK with alone time and quiet time, which are such important social skills to learn. 

4. Builds Concentration and Focus 

During independent play, children learn to focus their attention on a specific task or activity for an extended period. This helps improve their concentration skills, which can benefit them academically and socially.

5. Great for Emotional Development

Independent play provides children with an outlet to explore and express their emotions in a safe environment. It allows them to work through feelings of frustration, boredom, separation anxiety, or excitement on their own. Having self-regulation skills is crucial for social development. 

6. Supports Language and Communication Development

Through imaginative play, children often engage in conversations with themselves or their toys, which helps improve their language and communication skills. Which is why the toys should not be electronic devices, but instead mostly STEM toys, like wooden blocks, that promote children’s development.

7. Promotes Delayed Gratification

Electronic devices and screen time encourage instant gratification and over stimulation, while independent playtime with open-ended toys and activities uses the executive function of the brain fostering delayed gratification. 

8. Provides Parents with Much-Needed Breaks 

For busy parents, solo play gives parents with a much needed break. It allows parents to attend to other tasks, take care of themselves, or simply recharge while knowing their child is happily engaged in play. It is the ultimate win/win for both parent and child. 

Can older children do independent play?

Yes! While many parents find lots of value in starting at a young age, when the parents benefit from a needed break. Independent play has so many amazing benefits for older children too. My twin 6 year olds, 8 year old, and 10 year old all still do independent play weekly in our home. 

Need help getting started?

Check out my Little Adventurer Playbook that gives step by step on how to start implementing independent play today with dozen of approved activities and toys, with examples of independent play.

Benefits of Independent Play for Toddlers

Overall, the importance of independent play is worth taking the time to teach your child this amazing learned skill. Independent play is the best way to encourage creativity, problem-solving skills, self-confidence, and emotional well-being in a child’s development. There are so many different activities, making sure independent play never gets boring. All while also offering parents the opportunity for some well-deserved downtime for parents. Make sure your child is learning these important skills today.