How to Make Your Child Her Own Best Playmate

As much as you love playing with your child, the reality of adulthood requires you at some point to do laundry, pay bills and unload the dishwasher. According to AskDrSears.com, the website of pediatrician and author Dr. William Sears, most children begin playing independently around 2 or 3 years-old. Young children who play independently enjoy a certain creative freedom they can't necessarily get from playing with someone else, according to Sears. Still, if your little one is accustomed to having you, a sibling or a neighbor as a constant playmate, it might take some strategizing to help her enjoy playing by herself.

Instructions

    • 1

      Foster independence in her play habits by slowly fading yourself into the background. For example, suggests Dr. Barbara Meltz in The Boston Globe's parenting column, if your child asks for you to play with her, explain that even though you can't play at the moment, she's welcome to bring a few toys in the kitchen while you unload the dishwasher. If she struggles with a toy, encourage her to solve the problem herself instead of dropping whatever you're doing to help.

    • 2

      Get her started on playing a game or building a block tower for a few minutes, then excuse yourself and say "You keep going, I'm going to go start dinner." Sometimes, getting started is the hardest part, so helping out in that area lets your child's imagination take over. You can also offer choices such as, "Would you like to color, play dress-up or build a tower while I make dinner?"

    • 3

      Offer an open goal or directive for your child's game. For example, "Can you make me a beautiful castle out of blocks like the one in the story last night?" or "Why don't you draw a picture for grandma when she comes next week?" Providing some direction, can give independent play some purpose and direction, rather than feeling like a punishment.

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