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Independent play is an important skill for your child to develop, and with so many parents working from home, now is a great time to help them master it 
(a thread) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/parenting/kids-independent-play-coronavirus-quarantine.html?smid=tw-nytparenting
(a thread) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/parenting/kids-independent-play-coronavirus-quarantine.html?smid=tw-nytparenting
1. Start small. Three hours of independent play isn’t realistic out of the gate, especially for a child who isn’t used to playing on their own. @thefamilycoach recommends going for 5 to 10 minutes at first 
2a. Before your kid can be independent, they need to know you have their back. @larjack1 recommends starting with just 20 minutes of playtime with you. No phones or distractions 
2b. When the 20 minutes are up, give them a hug and tell them you loved watching them play, then go do your own thing. Chances are, they’ll keep at what they’re doing 
3. Create an #invitationtoplay. “It’s one of the best tricks of the trade,” says @ParentingJunkie. Put “spotlights” on toys by setting them up in an unexpected way, like three dolls having a tea party, and then let your kids stumble upon them 
4. Make room for mess. You may want to avoid paint, sand, clay, beads or water because they're inconvenient. But, @ParentingJunkie recommends tactile play because it's soothing and will keep them engaged for a long time 
5. Build a movement zone so your kids can use their bodies (read: tire themselves out.) Clear away furniture, then pile in soft things — pillows, cushions, yoga mats, sleeping bags — and let them go wild 
6. Build connection into the independent play so your kids don’t feel like you’re shutting them out. Challenge them to create a piece of art for you, or come up with a surprise for another adult in the home so you stay involved, even if it’s just on the sidelines 
7. Lastly, don’t sweat it if your kid isn’t good at this right away. Our kids are used to planned play dates, packed schedules and screen time, so it’s natural for there to be a learning curve. For more tips, read the article by @katerope: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/parenting/kids-independent-play-coronavirus-quarantine.html?smid=tw-nytparenting
