Why "Go Play By Yourself" Is One Of The Best Things You Can Say To Your Child

This week on Wire Talk, Beth Rosenbleeth from the activity blog, Days With Grey, joined us to talk about keeping our toddlers busy during long days at home. Because of Covid-19, I know many of your go-to summer activities are limited or unavailable and I hope you’ll listen to the episode! One of the best things Beth said was, “You as the mom should encourage your children to go play by themselves.”

I know often times moms feel guilty about not playing with their child all day. And how many of you have felt pressure to provide options when your kid comes to you and says, “I’m bored!”? If either of these describes you- you are not alone! But momma, it is not your job to entertain your child all day. When we hover and direct their every waking minute, our kids lose the ability to think for themselves!

Kids are born full of creativity and we actually stifle those creative instincts when we constantly provide direction. When my own kids were little, I would turn them out in the backyard and tell them not to come in until lunchtime! I did that because I think it makes healthier, more balanced children. Kids come up with the best games and will get lost in their play for hours if we will only encourage them gently in that direction.

If you need ideas for how to get going in this different style of play, check out Beth’s Start Up Guide, with tips, tricks and strategies she uses to minimize screen time and encourage this kind of play.