Some tamariki will play independently for longer periods of time than others.

There may be times when tamariki need to play independently from an adult, such as while the adult is on a phone call, helping another member of the family, or completing work at home.

Tips to support independent play#

Take care of basic needs first#

Make sure your tamaiti | child is comfortable. They have a clean nappy, are not upset, have eaten, and are not tired. Tamariki will find it hard to play if they are uncomfortable and have unmet needs.

Always make sure you can supervise your tamaiti appropriately and that the play environment is safe and free from hazards.

Set up an environment that encourages independence#

Provide things for your tamaiti to play with at their own height, such as pots and pans, a toy box, or some books.

You could prepare a lunchbox and drink bottle or a snack and place it where your tamaiti can reach it so they can have an independent snack.

Make sure there are interesting things for your tamaiti to explore, perhaps things they do not see every day, like a rainy-day box.

Talk with your child about independent play#

Even if your tamaiti is very young, you can let them know what you are thinking. For example, “I want you to play by yourself for a little while. I’m just over here, but I do need to make this phone call, so I won’t be able to play for the next 10 minutes".

Screen time#

It is best for young tamariki to spend only a small amount of time each day in front of a screen, such as a television, tablet, or computer.

Every family needs to make the best choice for their family and situation, which may be no screen time or some screen time.

You can download the Sit Less, Move More, Sleep Well: Active play guidelines for under-5s resources from the Ministry of Health, which includes screen time advice, for more information.

Sit less, move more, sleep well: Active play guidelines for under-5s – Ministry of Health NZ

Make a rainy-day box#

A rainy-day box is a collection of items your tamaiti does not see or play with every day.

Because tamariki cannot play with these items all the time, the rainy-day box becomes a special thing to play with. You could use a rainy-day box when your tamaiti needs something different to do.

You can add anything to a rainy-day box. You could add a collection of small toys and books. You could make sensory bottles as part of your rainy-day box. You could use a shoe box, kete | basket, or pillowcase to store your rainy-day items in.

Treasure baskets

You might like to make more of a treasure basket of real-world items with lots of different textures and materials.

Babies, toddlers, and young tamariki will often play and learn using the same things in different ways. Some items will be safer or more interesting for babies or older tamariki. Always take care to select safe and suitable materials for young tamariki that they will not choke on or hurt themselves with.

There are many benefits to using real life items for play.

• Real-world items give babies and young tamariki a sensory experience with a variety of weights, shapes, sizes, feelings, smells, and temperatures.
• There is no right or wrong way to play, meaning tamariki use their decision-making, creative thinking, and own ideas.
• Everyday items around your home are simple to find and inexpensive. It’s great to repurpose things like boxes, tubes, and containers.
• Op shops are another great place to find interesting items.
• Infants may enjoy exploring different textures through touch and mouthing objects. They may like to move an object from hand to hand.
• Toddlers may enjoy moving objects from place to place, putting them inside other objects, or throwing and rolling things.
• Older tamariki may enjoy making patterns, counting, sorting, or playing make-believe with items.