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Which one is more beneficial: Playing alone or together? 

Playtime isn’t just about keeping your little one entertained. It’s actually how they learn best. Whether they’re chatting up imaginary friends during solo play or building epic block towers with their buddies, play is where the magic happens.

So, should your kid be a social butterfly or a solo adventurer? The truth is, both are amazing for their development! Each type of play brings unique perks that help your child thrive and both are total game-changers for your little one’s growth. Keep reading to discover the perks of each and some helpful tips along the way!

Benefits of playing alone
“My kid is playing alone... is that bad?” It’s normal to worry if solo play might cause loneliness or shyness, but guess what? It’s actually great for growth! Solo play boosts creativity, problem-solving, and confidence. Kids learn to entertain themselves and develop self-reliance, preparing them to tackle challenges as they grow.

Want to encourage it? Create a safe space with open-ended toys and let kids explore, make mistakes, and find what they love.

Benefits of playing together
Playing with others offers benefits too!

Did you know playing with others can boost your child’s early literacy skills?

When kids play together, they’re practicing their vocabulary, enhancing speech, and basic reading skills. Additionally, competitive games and group activities teach kids how to win, lose, and handle frustrations, while also learning social behaviours like sharing, negotiating, and empathy. Encourage playdates, board games, or team sports to help your child develop these skills while having fun.

Mixing solo & group play for growth 

Kids need a healthy mix of independent and social play to grow into well-rounded individuals. Sure, your child can explore empathy and language through solo imaginative play, but face-to-face interactions are essential for developing more complex social skills and emotional awareness. By balancing both types of play, you're giving them the best of both worlds—a chance to be independent while also learning how to interact with and care for others. 

Easy tips for balanced play
Story Time: Start a group story and let each child add their own twist. Let creative solo skills shine while contributing to a shared tale.

Puzzle Party: Work on a puzzle together, taking turns to place pieces. Kids can then tackle smaller puzzles individually before rejoining the main one.

Artwork: Begin a group art project, then let each child add their own touches independently. Little Chefs: Bake together, assigning roles like stirring or decorating. Let kids use their creations in play, such as hosting a pretend restaurant.

Go down to the rabbit hole

Feed your curiosity with our extensive collection of resources. Whether you're searching for quick tips or in-depth research articles, you'll find everything you need to broaden your knowledge. 

Book:
Reclaim Play, Avital Schreiber Levy
Article:
The 16 Most Fun Indoor and Outdoor Group Games for Preschoolers, Tanja McIlroy
Play & Learn with Stokke®