How to build a family culture of play: Raising self-directed kids who play independently with Lizzie Assa
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Show Notes
Independent play expert Lizzie Assa is back on Securely Attached to talk about how play is one of the most powerful ways children can build confidence, creativity, frustration tolerance, and resilience (while parents get a little breathing room back too.)
Together we explore:
- What independent play actually looks like for kids of all ages and what is realistic at each stage.
- Why independent play does not just happen, and how parents can teach it without guilt or power struggles.
- How to create simple "play pockets" in your home that make independent play more likely.
- Signs your child may have too many toys and why toy overload can shut play down.
- Specific phrases, routines, and timing cues that make independent play more successful.
- How to decode what your child's play reveals about their emotional experience and where they might need extra support.
- How independent play might look different for only children versus those playing with siblings.
This episode is designed to leave you with specific ideas you can put into practice immediately, from how to set up play to what to say when you step back, so independent play becomes something that actually works in your day-to-day life.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:
🔗 Substack - The Workplace for Children
📚 But I'm Bored!: Discover the Power of Independent Play to Raise Confident, Resilient Kids
🎧 Listen to Lizzie's first interview on the Securely Attached podcast
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:
👉 Want games specifically designed for fostering emotion regulation? Go to drsarahbren.com/games to get my free guide packed with games you can play with kids of all ages!
CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:
🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the best toys to encourage independent play
🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about whether fun is the antidote to burnout with Mike Rucker
🎧 Listen to my podcast episode answering if there is a wrong way to encourage independent play