As your little one starts to play with toys and explore objects around your home, they may do so interacting with you at times, and at other times, go at it alone. Show
Solitary play, sometimes called independent play, is a stage of infant development where your child plays alone. While that may seem sad at first — is your baby already preparing to leave the nest? — rest assured that they’re learning important skills. Solitary play teaches babies how to entertain themselves — undoubtedly helpful when you need to get things done — and also fosters their future independence. Solitary play is often first seen in children ages 0–2, before they start interacting and playing with other kids. Independent play is also a stage that older preschoolers and children choose to engage in after they know how to play with others, proving just how valuable this skill is. Solitary play is considered the second of Mildred Parten Newhall’s six stages of play. Here’s where it falls, if you’re keeping track:
Your baby may start playing — we use the term a little loosely at this age — independently as young as 2 or 3 months, or as soon as they can start seeing bright colors and textures. As they grow a little more, they’ll take a bigger and bigger interest in toys and objects around them. This may occur from 4–6 months. You can set them up on a mat or blanket on the floor and watch them take an interest in toys, objects, or a play gym without your help. Solitary play will continue beyond babyhood. Most toddlers and preschoolers around ages 2–3 start to take an interest in interacting and playing with other children, but that doesn’t mean solitary play stops. It’s healthy for your child to play alone from time to time. If you’re concerned about your little one’s play habits or worried they’re playing alone too often, talk to an amazing resource you have — your child’s pediatrician. Solitary play for infants is downright adorable and may include:
Examples of solitary play for toddlers/preschool-aged children — who may choose to play alone even when they are able to play with others — include:
And because we could all use some additional ideas, here are some more solitary play options for your toddler/preschool-aged child if they’re upset to have no playmates around:
Fosters independenceWhen your child is a newborn, you do everything for them — even hand them a toy. As they grow into the solitary play stage, they’ll start to reach for things nearby on their own. Even though they’re still so young, babies entering this phase start to develop independence. It may be hard to see now, but they’ll eventually figure out how to problem solve, build, or do a new toy on their own. If you let them be without interfering, you’re allowing your child to become more independent later on. We know, it’s bittersweet. Helps develop preferences and interestsWhen your baby is playing independently, they’re also developing their own preferences and interests. Later on, they may be part of a group of children who all like similar toys and activities. For now, they’re deciding whether they like the red or green ball best. This is a must for understanding what they like and don’t like in the world, research shows. Develops creativity and imaginationYou can set out toys for your little one, but it’s up to them what they decide to play with during solitary play. Their focus is on the objects of their play only, and babies may even become upset if you try to join in or direct the play with the objects in front of them. Don’t take it personally — developing a mind of their own and laying the foundation for future imagination is a good thing! Develops powers of concentration, persistence, and completionResearch shows that later on, when your toddler or preschooler chooses to engage in solitary play, they’re in charge of their actions. This allows them to focus on what they want to do and learn to work through problems. They also learn to complete a task. If this sounds pretty far off for your tiny baby currently playing alone in their play gym and not even able to sit up independently, give yourself a pat on the back anyway — you’re helping to ensure that they’ll be taskmasters before you know it. Solitary play has so many benefits for your child. But around preschool age, if your child hasn’t started interacting or playing with other kids, you may be concerned. You and your child’s caregivers can slowly start to encourage them to interact with other children who may have similar interests. Keep in mind, all children develop at their own pace, so your kid may start to play with others slightly later. That’s OK. You can always talk to your child’s pediatrician about any concerns you have about their development. They can recommend a child psychologist or counselor, if needed. Remember, even when your little one is playing alone, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to supervise them. Sit back and let your young child have their playtime while continuing to keep an eye on them. But try not to interfere unless it’s necessary. One final note: Try to separate independent or solitary playtime from screen time. They aren’t the same thing. Excessive screen time for toddlers may interfere with healthy development, research shows. What is the term for action in which children simply watch others play but do not actually participate themselves?Onlooker play (behavior) – when the child watches others at play but does not engage in it. The child may engage in forms of social interaction, such as conversation about the play, without actually joining in the activity. This type of activity is also more common in younger children.
What is the term for action in which children simply watch?Children learn and imitate behaviors by watching and listening to others. This is sometimes called “observational learning,” when children can learn things simply by observing others.
What is it called when children participate in constructive play together?Cooperative play is the last of the six stages of play described by sociologist Mildred Parten. Cooperative play involves children playing and working with others towards a common goal or purpose. Being able to participate in cooperative play is extremely important.
What type of play involves action in which children play with similar toys?As children grow, they become more interested in other children. Most 2-or 3-yuear-olds participate in parallel play. This means that they play by each other with similar toys, but they do not really interact or play with one another. This type of play is appropriate for their emotional development.
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