An infant needs to play alone and entertain themselves sometimes. By playing alone, they learn about their own bodies, environments, the people around them and learn to be more social. 

Solitary play is also known as independent play, where a child plays alone. It is at the stage where a child is just developing and trying to figure out their own body. They become familiar with different objects, textures and shapes.

Importance of solitary play for children:

1- Solitary play helps a child to be more independent. They understand that they can entertain themselves on their own. They can explore playing with toys and dolls on their own. They slowly realise not to be dependent on others. 

2- Children realise what they like playing on their own. Some might prefer playing with cars, puzzles, dolls irrespective of their gender. By not playing with others, they get to play with their favourite toys on their own without any judgement.

3- They can learn to dance when they are alone and away from everyone’s eyes or sing loudly to their favourite music without feeling embarrassed. This will help them understand them understand themselves more.

4- As long as your child plays alone, it helps them develop their imagination. They can interpret things as they want or imagine a scenario, unburdened by any expectations and play on their own.

5- Solitary play helps a child develop their concentration power. They can focus on what toys they want to play with. They have complete control over how and what they want to play and decide their own actions. This allows them to concentrate and play with a single object for a longer time.

6- When children play alone, they can entertain themselves without anyone’s aid. They can play with their toys and imagine different scenarios of their own.

7- Children who learn to solitary play can adjust to new surroundings easily. This will help them when they start going out to the playground or start to go for school.

8- It will improve their problem solving abilities. They learn to come to find solutions on their own without anybody else’s help. 

9- When they play on their own, it gives you some time for yourself. You can allow yourself to relax for some time. 

10- They develop motor skills by exploring things on their own in their surroundings. They can play with objects on their own. 

Examples of solitary play:

1- Colouring or painting 

2- Playing with a train set

3- Solving a puzzle

4- Stacking cups 

5- Playing with musical toys

6- Flipping through a colourful book

7- Playing with dough

8- Looking at family pictures 

9- Playing with dolls

10- Having a tea party 

How can you encourage your child to play alone?

1- You can provide them with the right toys. You can give them play doughs, blocks or cups that they can play with or stack up. 

2- Understand your child and encourage them to play alone. Your child might need some pushing to play alone so you can encourage them to do so. 

3- When your child is playing on their own, it’s advisable to not interfere in their play time. Even when they are struggling to make a decision on how to play, refrain from saying anything. Let them come to their own decisions. 

Conclusion 

We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of solitary play and why every child should be encouraged to do so. 

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