Why Is It Good For Children To Learn To Play On Their Own? – Being Parents

One of the activities that should be encouraged at home is for children to learn to play on their own so that they know their abilities and strengthen their skills. Solo or unsupervised play is a fundamental tool for children’s cognitive development; this practice increases its independence and autonomy.

Encouraging this activity  allows the child to make his own decisions without being afraid of making mistakes and he can thus explore new worlds  thanks to his imagination and his  fantasies.

Many little ones don’t like to play alone ; they are fearful and seek the company of their parents. In the long run, this is not healthy because they will grow up as an addict.

Playing alone all the time is also not favorable; this  limits interaction with other children and the process of adaptation to society. We have to constantly find a balance; learning to play alone is beneficial for children on a personal level and playing in a group helps them build relationships and develop their  language.

The benefits for children of learning to play alone

Learning to play on your own has many benefits for children, such as:

• Independence

They learn to control their world, they are  autonomous  and assimilate new ways of being in contact. They will always ask for help, although in the end  they will get used to trying to figure things out on their own.

• Decision

Children learn to do things on their own; they also learn to make mistakes and look for possible solutions. This  increases their security and confidence.

• Exploitation of creativity and fantasies

The young child who plays alone has fun exploring his inner world, creating characters, atmospheres and situations that take him to magical places. As a result,  his  imagination grows faster and he materializes dreams and ideas in his own way. 

• Experimentation with unsupervised play

When the child plays alone, he does and says things that he sometimes dares not do in front of an adult. This moment can provide the perfect space for him to learn what is right and what is wrong.

It is wise to give him freedoms and space, but without completely neglecting the activity he undertakes; it is a perfect opportunity to correct and educate with  values.

Accompanied play and solo play are complementary. Both are necessary for the proper cognitive and emotional development of the child.

How can we help children learn to play on their own?

The best thing to do is to start gradually. Parents are advised to play with their children at intervals of time and then leave them alone so that they get used to it.

The  toys  with wooden sticks or puzzles are perfect for creating gradually used to play alone; sharing the start of these games with the child will help him gain confidence and then continue on his own.

Withdrawing to answer a call or an email would be ideal to leave him alone for a few minutes. Telling him to continue the game while waiting for your return will make him more and more independent.

“It makes sense to give the child freedom and space, but without completely neglecting the activity he undertakes”

This absence should not last more than five minutes; the child may have the feeling of being abandoned and this is obviously not the intention. From 2 or 3 years old, the young child likes to play alone; he explores the magical world he invents and takes advantage of it.

When they are older,  it is necessary to monitor electronic games, whether it is the console, the computer or the tablet. These games are very addictive; that is why it is better to set up schedules for their use.

For children and parents alike, it is essential to find a balance between solo and group play. Wanting children to get into the habit of playing alone shouldn’t prevent little ones from having fun with other people.

Tips for children to learn to play on their own

• The main thing is  to provide the child with a space so that he can play  safely on his own.

• It is important that  the child has educational toys that are appropriate for his age; in this way, the cognitive canal of the little one can open.
• Even if the child is playing alone, it is advisable not to lose sight of him. You never know if the little one will need help at some point.
• You can alternate solo games with group games; thus,  we do not create a dependency or a preference for one of the two.
• Children learn by imitation. Therefore,  parents are recommended to get involved in the game with them.

Like any process,  teaching children to play on their own takes a lot of patience and a little discipline.

It is good to want to share with them every step of the way and it is wise to understand that children need space to develop their skills. Solitaire play will become an excellent accomplice to train a child with autonomy, security and imagination.