Play is a fundamental part of children's lives, is part of their learning and development. Through play, children learn to recognize the objects that are part of their daily lives, they also develop their imagination and creativity.
Fathers and mothers have to dedicate time to daily play with the children, to help them understand how different objects and toys work. It is also important that children learn what group play consists of, although everything really has a stage. But an important part of the game should be the solo game.
Through solitary play, cognitive development is worked in addition to working on children's motor skills. This part of the game is essential to promote the autonomy of children, they learn to be independent and develop their imagination.
Benefits of solo play
As in all aspects of life, it is important to find balance. In the same way that learning to play alone is important and has numerous benefits, it is also not good that it is always this way, as this could interfere with the child's social relationships.
Therefore, it is good that each day the child plays alone for a while, but in small doses and of course, always with a responsible person nearby. Between the benefits of solo play are:
- Children's autonomy is worked onThey learn to handle small situations and to find the solution to small inconveniences that they may encounter on their way. Learning to play by themselves is a great step towards working on their independence.
- They learn to make decisionsWhen choosing if they prefer to play with one thing or another, when the pieces do not fit together and they have to find a way to do it, etc., children work on their intellectual skills. Resolving small setbacks will help them to have confidence in themselves and to grow with more confidence.
- They develop their creativityWhen children create their own stories, draw their fantasies, build elements that are only in their imagination, they are exploiting all their creativity, something very important for their development.
How to teach a child to play alone
Many children feel uncomfortable when they have to do any activity alone, even individual play creates insecurity. Especially in these cases, it is important that you gradually introduce solo play into the child's routine. But also it is necessary to do it gradually, so that the child takes the habit without having to suffer moments of anxiety.
You can take advantage when you have to perform tasks at home, if you are going to do the laundry or if you are going to take care of any other activity that takes you a few minutes. Before leaving it is essential that you sit down with your child and introduce him to a game, be it building blocks, a puzzle or painting, games that can be played individually.
When the child is immersed in the game, after a few minutes, explain that you are going to do a task and that now you come back. Try not to give it too much importance, do not say goodbye to the child as if you were going to leave. Even if it can be in an area where he sees you, much better. In this way the child will learn to play alone, knowing that he is accompanied if he needs help.
Fostering independence is essential for personal development
Each child has a different personality and each one needs time to process each change and every learning. It is important not to make comparisons, because you will never find a comparison that is beneficial to you, there will always be something that another child will learn or develop before your child.
You must work with your son adapting to his personality, with patience and little by little. So that the child acquires the learning or skill you are looking for, calmly and without creating stress. Teaching your child to play alone will help you on the path to independence and autonomy, two fundamental characteristics for the development and growth of children.