You’ve heard all about how much we rely on entertainment in today’s society. You’re even known to reach for your phone for a good scroll every now and again when you get a quiet moment.
So, you’re not completely surprised when your child hangs out around your feet while you prepare lunch. Or brings you a book the moment you sit on the couch.
You love these moments. And you also want some space.
You want to have the space to fully complete a task without someone whining for your attention the entire time.
And you know it’s possible, because you remember playing by yourself and having a great time when you were a kid.
You remember playing for what seemed like hours with some of your favorite toys.
And you want those memories for your kids, too.
But it turns out that to get there, you have to do a little bit more than hand your kids a few blocks. You know. Because you tried.
Children need independent play and all children can learn how.
It’s important for children to have down-time to sort and categorize their world, practice new skills without fear of judgment, and build self-confidence.
play is not “just play.“ Play lays synaptic pathways in the brain, which join to make “the information highway” for higher learning.
When children happily play independently every day, it provides both parents and children with an anticipated opportunity for beneficial down-time. This kind of predictability can help regulate a child’s emotions and improve behavior.
Independent Play Isn’t Just The Key To More “Me Time”
… it’s the key to your child’s growth.
Let’s face it—“me time” is great!
Yet, you have already shown that you’re willing to give up more of your own time if it means helping your child’s future academic success.
Though you trust the natural design of the development and honor the space of a kid to lead their own path, you see other parents buying up workbooks and educational apps on tablets to give their child the advantage.
(no judgment here!)
But what you feel in your gut is that your preschooler doesn’t need more time sitting in front of a worksheet or screen.
You don’t think it’s right - or doable - to set up 5 new carefully-curated sensory activities each morning for your toddler like you see other mamas doing on Instagram.
It’s hard not to compare ourselves, but really, you know that what your child needs is just to play.
And the research backs that.
With 75% of children not getting enough active playtime in their day— it’s safe to say that you are giving your child a leg up by stepping away from the hours spent in front of workbooks and educational tv shows, and introducing them to more independent play.
And I’ve got just the resource for you to do it with.
In this ebook, you’ll find highly researched and tested methods and activities to give your child the gift of play.
10 tips to setting up a routine of play in your home
What mainstream media doesn’t want you to know about play
Habits to change NOW to improve your child’s ability to play (and get more down time!)
The trick to working with your child to build your connection while building their self confidence
The guilt-free secret to working these methods into your day so you can exercise, cook meals, clean, and practice self-care, all while helping your child develop crucial life skills
How to tap into the “wellspring of genius” for your child
A list (with pictures!) of intentional toys and activities to foster more independent play
The Secret Sauce of Parenting and how to use it to create mental space for creativity and higher levels of thinking
Easy-to-follow instruction for fostering play from birth
What to do if your child is older and still doesn’t have the independent play skills down
A sample schedule to follow to create predictability and a routine of independent play in your day
…and so much more!
Independent Play is an opportunity for children to be self-directed and take the lead.
This type of autonomy gives children the opportunity to think, create, imagine, problem solve, decompress, and lead confidently.
Independent Play Fosters & Teaches
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Intrinsic Motivation
Language And Reasoning Skills
Happier, More Patient Children
Neurological Development
Life Experiences To Aid In Comprehension
Imagination
Problem Solving
Fine And Gross Motor Skills
Coordination
Self Control
Self Confidence And Self Esteem
Creativity
Sustained Attention And Focusing Skills
Self Entertainment
Taking Risks
Cooperating
Taking Turns
Creativity
Imagination
Resiliency
Kindness + Empathy
Social Skills
Emotional Regulation
Sequencing
Following Multi-Step Directions
Narration + Speaking Skills
This ebook will guide you through every step so you can cultivate years of happy, predictable play in your home!
I’m sharing what I’ve learned as a mama with my expertise in child development to help you cultivate independent play in your home, because I truly believe independent play is a GIFT - a total game changer! Developmentally, kids NEED it. And emotionally, having a predictable break every day can help you parent with confidence, intention and joy, instead of exhaustion and frustration.
$17.00
WHAT REAL PARENTs THINk
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psst … get all 3 of my best-selling e-books for just $65!
The fine print
This is a downloadable PDF. It will be emailed to you after payment has been received.
Please be sensitive to the fact that many, many hours of work went into this project, as well as the countless hours and steep cost of graduate school I invested in to bring you practical, research-based child development and literacy expertise. I have intentionally priced this guide so that it’s widely accessible.
No part of this ebook may be reproduced, transmitted or shared in any form or by any means (electronic or mechanical), including photocopying, emailing, texting, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author. Such violation of these terms will be met with legal action. By purchasing this guide, you agree to these terms.