Tips for Increasing Independent Play in Young Children
Hey speech friend! 👋🏼
What's the one thing that parents want, and think we have the keys to give them?
Independent play, of course!
Listen, I get it. As a parent, I love nothing more when I can unload a dishwasher, throw in a load of laundry, or drink a HOT cup of coffee while my sweet kiddos play by themselves.
However…
As SLPs, we know that independent play isn't developed overnight. We also know that there's lots of unrealistic expectations around independent play. So the next time a parent asks, “Whyyyyy won't they every just play by themselves?!”, hit them with some data (and some great strategies!).
The biggest barrier to independent play?
Attention Span! 👀
It's common for parents to have unrealistic expectations of independent play and how long it lasts. Children can actually engage in independent play even as babies as young as a few months old, BUT many parents don't consider this to be independent play until children play for long periods of time. However, we would typically expect the average attention span to be:
- 2-year-old: 4 to 6 minutes
- 3-year-old: 6 to 8 minutes
- 4-year-old: 8 to 12 minutes
That should really change our expectations of prolonged periods of play in those early years!
There's Still Hope!
Even if a child is leaning towards the lower end of those averages, or not meeting them at all, there are still strategies we can use to help encourage independent play.
- Provide Play Opportunities: Put out toys that are interesting to the child in a place they can easily access them. Pay attention to special interests the child may have and appeal to them with the toys displayed. Rotate the toys when you notice the child is getting bored of them.
- Model Play: Engage in active play with the child and let them lead activities to encourage independence.
- Use Sensory Play: Try water tables, pouring stations, slime/Play-Doh, etc. to appeal to their sensory systems!
- Reduce Distractions: Turn off the TV, limit the amount of toys out and about, and give the child space to play without getting in their way.
- Leave Them Be: It can be tough, but once the child is playing, leave them to it! Even if the play seems unconventional or silly, this helps increase their cognitive abilities included in play.
Independent play does not come easy, but it's so rewarding and fun to watch when it does! As therapists, we can always use our sessions to encourage language and cognition in play experiences while educating parents on realistic expectations and ways to help their children grow!
Want more help with the early intervention population? Check out the Early Intervention Academy for SLPs!
Happy speeching!
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