How to encourage your toddler to play by himself
Mastering alone time and independent play is an important toddler development milestone. Bonus: You get a few minutes to relax! Photo: @thetinyacorn via Instagram
The first year with a baby involves a lot of singing, stacking, reading and sitting on the floor. But eventually, your little guy will reach that miraculous milestone of amusing himself on his own for a few minutes. And you will be able to do small tasks (you know, like unloading the dishwasher or peeing) in peace.
Lauren Bergmann, a mom of two in Bedford, NS, has a busy 19-month-old toddler, Cohen. At this stage, she says, “he’s happy doing the same thing whatever he is playing with whether I’m sitting right there with him or not.” That includes playing with stacking rings and building blocks, and “helping” his mom in the kitchen. “If I’m cooking a meal, I’ll let him go into the bottom pantry cupboard full of plastic containers and placemats, and jus