Episode 1: Parenting Matters - Increasing Independent Play in ToddlersTopic: Increasing Independent Play in Toddlers Description: Whether you're just trying to get dinner made in peace, or looking for a little more much-needed time for yourself, you won’t want to miss these tools to help your toddler learn to play on their own!   Summary: In this conversation, Rebecca and Belann discuss the importance of fostering independence in children through play. They emphasize the significance of allowing children to play independently, the emotional resilience it builds, and practical strategies for parents to encourage this behavior. The conversation also addresses the challenges parents face, including guilt and the need for patience, while providing insights on how to handle situations when strategies don't work as intended. Takeaways: Fostering independence in children is crucial for their development. Independent play helps children develop emotional resilience. Parents often struggle with guilt when children express boredom. Repetition is key in teaching children new skills. Floor time is an effective strategy for encouraging autonomy. It's important for parents to model their own interests and values. Children need undivided attention to feel secure and independent. Expect challenges when implementing new strategies with children. Don't give up when things don't work immediately; persistence is essential. Understanding the child's feelings is important, but don't overdo it. Chapters: 00:00 Fostering Independence in Children 11:38 Understanding the Importance of Independent Play 19:17 Practical Strategies for Encouraging Autonomy 28:21 Handling Challenges When Strategies Don't Work Check out Early Childhood Matters Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcastInstagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSFFacebook facebook.com/ecmsf Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email