Need a breather from keeping your kids entertained? Teach them how to play independently without screens using these play ideas.

Why Does Your Kid Need Ideas for Playtime?

I used to stare at the clock until my husband came home hoping to give me a break from entertaining, disciplining, and feeding the kids.

It was miserable.

I felt like I had to micromanage and control my kids all day long so that everyone would be happy. Even if I succeeded (ha!), I was still left exhausted.

My kids were happy playing with me all day, but I was burnt out from having no downtime. In constantly being there and solving every problem for them, I was taking away a key part of their development: learning how to be independent.

Now toddlers don’t need to know how to drive a car yet, but they do need to learn baby steps to independence. For example, what if your preschooler could pick their own activity, get it out and play with it WITHOUT ANY HELP FROM YOU?

Then what if they knew to clean it up before choosing another activity WITHOUT YOU TELLING THEM?

MIC DROP.

So after a few years of this nonsense, I created this little game changer: a play chart. This chart presented activities already available in our home in a more organized way.

A Few Tips for Using the Play Ideas Chart

The kids take turns picking activities off the chart by covering the next activity with a magnet. I’ve included a mix of independent and group activities, indoor and outdoor.

I tell the kids to “pick off the chart” when I need time to myself, they are bickering, or I want to be intentional in playing with them. Some days we do three things, some days we do 10. It breaks up the boredom of everyday life and keeps some routine and creativity in our day.

The greatest benefit of the chart is that it helps with preventing some bad behaviors that occur just from the boredom and monotony of everyday life. After a few times of using the chart, the kids know where the items are, and put the activity away before they choose a new one (that will still take some practice, but with consistency, you’ll get there).

Use this as a tool, not another thing on your to-do list. For example:

  • If the kids are fighting, tell them to each pick something off the chart and play ALONE.
  • Games and crafts can be independent if you plan. Store each group in a basket where the kids can do them.
  • Be as flexible or rigid as you want to be with the chart to make it work for you!

Get Your Play Ideas Chart in The Routines Pack

I’ve included this and more to help teach your child how to grow and mature in the life skills they need as they get ready for school and beyond! Check out these 15 pages on creating routines and setting goals (for behavior help and more!)

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Happy Playing!

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