Amidst our fast-paced lives, whether you’re from comparable quiet kampung whereabouts or the dizzying city life of Kuala Lumpur, we often share an instinctive behaviour as parents. We stay close to our children, ready to partake in their playful adventures at a moment’s notice. Today, however, let’s dive into a parenting secret that’s often overlooked but can provide a brilliant platform for the growth of our children—solitary play.
What is Solitary Play?
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Solitary play, also known as independent play, is a form of play in which a child, our much-loved anak kita, chooses to play by themselves. This form of play isn’t a sign of boredom or anti-social tendencies we worry over. On the contrary, it is a journey of self-discovery and igniting the spark of imagination, all driven by the child’s own instincts and not guided by fellow playmates or parents like Mak or Ayah.
Deconstructing Playtime: Parten’s Six Stages of Play
Mildred Parten, almost a century ago, studied children’s play and came up with some insightful findings. She proposed par, offering us a better understanding of our children’s playtime activities.
Unoccupied Play:
This stage is characterized by our little ones simply observing their surroundings. They randomly move without any objective, almost as if they’re drawing in the world around them and processing their tiny universe’s complexity.
Solitary (Independent) Play:
The stage we are highlighting here! During this stage, children choose to play independently, fully engrossed in their toys, and are the sole decision-makers of the game.
Onlooker Play:
This is when the children watch other kids playing, almost as if they’re learning and preparing themselves for the upcoming communal play adventures.
Parallel Play: Here, kids will play side- by-side with another without any significant interaction. It’s similar to two artists painting masterpieces side by side, engrossed in their work and undisturbed by the presence of another.
Associative Play:
This is when the children begin to interact while playing, such as swapping toys and commenting on each other’s activities.
Cooperative Play:
Here, children engage fully with one another, collaborating in their imaginative play and working together to reach a common goal.
When Does Solitary Play Begin?
Solitary play starts right from the moment our bayi kita is born. As they transition from adorable newborns to inquisitive sitters, then ambitious crawlers, they’re already knee-deep into the realm of solitary play. They explore their toys and surroundings single-handedly without seeking assistance or needing company.
The Importance of Solitary Play
Solitary play is far from being a simple activity. It’s a crucial foundation for:
Creativity:
Playing alone allows children to create their own rules and narratives, fostering creativity and enhancing their imaginative skills.
Concentration:
Solitary play helps children focus without distractions from others. It’s their own little world where they dictate the rules and focus on the tasks at hand, refining their attention span.
Independence:
Independent play teaches children to be content in their own company, a valuable life skill that aids personal growth and self-reliance.
Problem-Solving:
Solitary play presents puzzles for the child to solve—figuring out how to piece certain toys together or understanding how their actions affect the environment. It develops a child’s problem-solving abilities.
Skill Development:
Whether it’s fine motor skills or linguistic accomplishments, solitary play provides an excellent ground for honing these capabilities.
Examples of Solitary Play
Art Time: Let your child take control of a set of crayons, markers or paint for a quiet art time. As parents, we get to witness and admire the way they see and interpret the world around them through their artworks.
Building Blocks:
Provide your child with a set of Lego or traditional wooden blocks. As they go about constructing and demolishing their towers or forts, they engage in a form of solitary play that pushes their creative boundaries.
Pretend Play:
Encouraging your child to stage tea parties for their dolls or teddies or alternatively be the superhero that rescues their stuffed toys from the clutches of an imaginary villain is a fantastic form of solitary play that fuels their imagination.
3 Powerful Tips To Encourage Your Kids During Solitary Play
Create a Fun Space:
Set aside a part of your home as a dedicated ‘play corner’ for your child. Adorn it with their favourite toys, comfortable cushions, and child-friendly furniture. Having an enticing, personalized space for play would instinctively draw them into spending time there, often leading to a satisfying solitary play.
Be a Cheerleader:
Show genuine interest in what your child creates during their solitary play. A simple but earnest point of recognition such as “Wow, can you tell me how you built this amazing tower?” can work wonders in boosting your child’s confidence and encouraging them to play independently more often.
Rotate Toys:
Keep up the novelty factor by rotating their toys periodically. A refreshed array of toys will pique your child’s curiosity and kickstart another round of captivating solitary play.
Conclusion
And there you have it, amazing Malaysian parents! Solitary play isn’t merely an act of ‘main sorang’ (playing alone). Instead, it is a magical journey your child embarks on to explore their thoughts and imaginations. While watching them enjoy this solitary play may cause a pang of redundancy, remember, you are setting the stage for a future independent and creative thinker. So, let your precious ones explore, imagine, and play on their own, for it helps shape a brilliant and self-reliant future. Selamat bermain, kiddos!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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