Why Playing Alone Can Be Great for Kidsย
According toย research, play is an extremely important part of child development. While playing with other children helps with socialization, kids should also spend time playing alone. Spending time by themselves gives kids the opportunity to take charge and learn to appreciate their own company.
There is a stigma that being alone means youโre automatically lonely. That is simply not true! Solo playtime helps your kids become well-rounded people who are happy being in groups as well as on their own. Not only that, but it gives you a break too! So, letโs look at some of the reasons why playing alone can be great for kids.
Benefits of Playing Alone For Kidsย

Playing Alone is Great for the Imagination
To start, without other kids around, they have to use their imagination! Playing alone means that they can run wild with ideas and you never know how creative they truly can be until theyโre playing alone.
Improves Emotional Regulation
According to research, children who engage in unstructured playย have better self-regulationย later in life. When kids are playing in a group, they can become overstimulated. If they donโt know how to self-regulate, it can result in outbursts and be highly reactive. This is why temper tantrums happen, and we donโt want that!
Allowing your child to spend time alone will relax their mind.ย Research from Cornellshows that children ages 3 to 5 need more time for solitary play. They donโt have to worry about others, and allow them to center themselves.
It Teaches Kids Boundaries
Kids can struggle with boundaries, but giving them alone time can help. How many times have you had a fussy kid tugging at you to play? They donโt listen to the word โnoโ and want you to give in to their demands. Teaching kids how to play by themselves will help them understand boundaries and to occupy themselves instead of insisting on your attention.
Creates Social Independence
Itโs so important for children to be able to do things on their own. Even as adults, this is something we can struggle with. This is another reason why children should be encouraged to do their own thing at an early age. If kids learn how to be on their own when theyโre young, it will help them in social situations as adults.

Theyโll Be More Confident
When kids learn to play on their own, theyโre developing problem solving skills. By doing so, theyโre going to build confidence in themselves, as well. Solo play makes kids feel like theyโre in charge, because they are! They decide everything when theyโre playing alone with no other kids to voice an opinion or pass judgment. Itโs an excellent exercise in confidence.
Playing Alone Encourages Creativity
When kids are playing alone, they have to come up with the ideas themselves. At first, kids may feel frustrated by this challenge, but itโs good for them in the long run. In fact, after a while kids may grow to prefer playing alone because they get to call the shots.
They Learn to Enjoy Being on Their Own
Itโs important for kids to understand that being alone doesnโt always mean being lonely. The ability to enjoy your own company can be one of lifeโs greatest pleasures. Think about the sigh of relief you let out when you get a few moments alone as a parent. Your kids should appreciate being on their own, too.
How to Encourage Your Kids to Play Aloneย

Now that we know how great playing alone is for your kids, itโs time to encourage them to try it! The problem is that kids can associate being alone with being a โloser.โ There are a few ways to motivate your kids to spend time playing by themselves.
Start By Playing Together
According to PBS,ย spending 15-20 minutes of playing togetherย will help ease your kid into playing solo. After youโve played together for a while, let them know you have something you need to do and theyโll have to continue playing on their own. You wonโt have to do this every time, but if your child doesnโt seem to be comfortable with playing on their own this may help.
Being Alone Doesnโt Mean Being Lonely
Itโs important that you emphasize to them that being alone doesnโt always mean that youโre lonely. In fact, other kids should find it admirable that theyโre able to enjoy being on their own! You should also emphasize that just because youโre busy or want them to do something solo doesnโt mean you donโt want to play with them! Stay positive and encouraging.
Support Their Ideas
Young kids can be reliant on their parents to make decisions for them when it comes to playtime. When your kids are telling you their ideas of what they want to do when theyโre playing alone, be supportive and encouraging! For example, if youโre busy doing something and you want your kids to go play by themselves, say something positive instead of telling them to go away.
The Bottom Line
To sum it up, solo play is very important for kids. It teaches them skills theyโll need for adulthood to get along with others and help them with their career. If youโre looking for toys to encourage solo playtime, tryย Clixoโsย magnetic building toys. Theyโre excellent for letting the imagination run wild and creating something all on your own.