I had the pleasure of being on FOX 5 San Diego this morning to talk about how to keep children happily busy during spring break and the benefits of independent play. I shared my tips with Anchor, Shally Zomorodi, and in case you missed the segment, I am not only linking it here, but I am expanding what I talked about on air in more detail in this blog!
First and foremost, we discussed a blog post that I had previously written about my Top 50 Play Based Activities Children Can Do Independently, that I am linking here!
The truth is, parents need breaks! Whether you are a work from home parent or you need to get chores done around the house, or you simply need a “mom” self-care break away from your children, breaks are necessary and healthy. And when our children are home 24/7 during school breaks, those breaks are a little tougher to come by. Thus, I want to start by giving you permission to take breaks and tell you it’s ok to let your kids play independently without you! It is not your job to entertain your children all of the time. There is no need to feel guilty for not playing with them every second of the day. In fact, it is actually very mentally and emotionally healthy for them to play without you! So parents, listen carefully, you are off the hook! Go do your work and take your breaks! Carve out time chunks in your day to spend time with your children, feed them, and make sure they are safe. Grow and nurture that secure attachment with them throughout your day, and also let them play independently!
I also want to remind you that it is also ok that your children get bored. And if they do, let them figure it out! I find my children get the most imaginative and creative when they are bored. I give them agency to make their own play and let them roll with it. Yes, it’s true sometimes that if children get too bored, they can get into mischief and other maladaptive behaviors start to surface. Usually that means they need more intellectual stimulation and or body movement. So, as I shared on the news, make sure your children are set up for success to keep busy. This might mean planning some activities or gathering materials in advance. I would not suggest winging it, and playing the day by ear. I would set out some books, craft and art supplies, and a few games to give your child options of what they can do. Older children can be given a list of possible ideas and can go find most materials on their own.
One of my favorite ways to keep children busy, that is also intellectually stimulating and keep their body moving, is an indoor scavenger hunt. You can either make a list of things for them to find independently around the house (i.e.: a hairbrush, a spoon, a sock, a shoe, a book, etc) or you can create a list that helps them get out energy (i.e.: go into the backyard and do 10 jumping jacks, go into the bedroom and spin 5 times, use a stool to climb safely in the pantry and grab the peanut butter to make a sandwich (which also helps motor skills), or go into the living room and have a dance party!
My other favorite play ideas that, in my experience as a mom and child therapist, are playing with magnetic tiles (especially on the garage door), coloring a giant cardboard box, and building and playing in a fort.
Independent play can be started as early as infancy during tummy time. It can be at an early age where children can learn agency and autonomy. The more they learn it at an early age, the more they will successfully learn the life skill of being independent. The benefits of independent play include learning social skills, communication skills, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and fostering creativity and imaginative play.
To watch my LIVE segment, click on this link!
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