If you’re a mompreneur with young children at home, then you know that finding a way to keep your children occupied and engaged so that you can find time to be productive in your business can be a huge struggle.
Maybe you feel like you’re in a cycle of constantly entertaining your child.
Maybe your child is having more screen time than you’d like because it just feels like the only way for you to get anything done.
As a mom who is juggling running my own business as a play and parenting coach, while also being the primary caretaker for my daughter, independent play has been a lifeline for me, and for many of the clients I work with.
And as someone who has worked in early childhood for 15 years, I can also tell you that independent play is incredibly important and beneficial parts of your child’s early years too. It allows for creativity and problem-solving. Plus, playing independently builds independence and confidence in other areas of your child’s life.
Learning how to encourage and incorporate independent play into your child’s daily routine can have a big impact on your productivity. Here are three ways to see more independent play from your child and get more work done from home as a result:
Be nearby.
Most young children cannot get deeply involved in play unless they feel secure that their caregiver is nearby within earshot and sight, especially if independent play is new to them. This may mean getting creative about where you work and where your child plays. Try placing a few favorite toys in the corner of your office or finding a spot in their playroom where you can send some emails.
Keep the time short at first.
If your child is used to you playing with them throughout the day or having screen time, starting with a small block of independent play time will help them build confidence. Start with five minutes at first and build on incrementally.
Know your child’s preferences.
Paying attention to what your child enjoys is a key part of supporting your child’s independent play journey. This is where play prompts and invitations to play can be effective. Putting out two things together that your child isn’t used to seeing—like a bowl of water and some animal figurines. Or placing a favorite toy in an unexpected location. Sometimes it’s just a little prompt that sparks play and gets them going.
If you are just starting the journey with independent play, remember that every child is unique. Some children might be more prone to play on their own, and some children might not. But I assure you that regardless of their temperament and personality, every child can learn how to play independently.
Jill Lerman, Play and Parenting Coach at Jillybeans NYC
Ready to see more independent play? This free resource that will help you get more time back for yourself while your child is learning and playing independently. Grab Jill’s free guide to independent play at any age!
Check out Jill’s website www.jillybeansnyc.com to learn more about how to work with her 1:1, join her monthly Playful Parenting membership, or listen to her podcast, The Art of Playful Parenting.
Find Jill on Instagram: www.instagram.com/jillybeansnyc
Jill Lerman is a play and parenting coach, early childhood educator, play expert, and a mom to a toddler. She empowers overwhelmed parents & caretakers to connect & engage with their little ones through simple invitations to play and create to help make parenting feel more joyful and manageable. She also serves as a play expert and consultant for brands, where she teaches classes, runs workshops, consults on product development, and provides activity ideas.
A mom herself, Jill knows how difficult getting through the day can be, which is why, above all else, her approach makes it easy for parents to facilitate interaction and play that supports development. She loves helping families create an environment and culture that sees children as capable from their earliest days, that values creativity, playfulness, bonding, and connection.