Preschoolers, toddlers, and even babies need unstructured time to themselves in a safe environment. Quiet time alone allows them to process, reflect, explore, be creative, and practice thinking for themselves. Of course, you need to be close by to make sure the play is safe! Otherwise, provide little or no interference.
Unstructured play time is an easy way to allow your child to be spontaneous and to enjoy self-directed activities. Help your child get started by supplying a few options, but then step back and let her take the lead. If her safe play space is indoors, try setting out some building blocks, playdough, a couple of puzzles, a box full of crinkly paper, or a wooden spoon and bowl. If her safe play space is outdoors, bring out things like a ball, a magnifying glass, sidewalk chalk, a bucket and shovel, or a picnic blanket along with play dishes. As you watch her self-directed play and even day dreaming, you can rest assured that she is learning to be resourceful, solve problems, make decisions, and use her fine and gross motor skills!
Make unstructured play time a part of the daily routine. According to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, "Toddlers and preschoolers should engage in at least 60 minutes and up to several hours per day of daily, unstructured physical activity and should not be sedentary for more than 60 minutes at a time except when sleeping." Balance unstructured playtime alone with time interacting with other children as well as, of course, lots of time with nurturing, responsive caregivers. This balance will help her develop a sense of security and self-confidence.
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