Thoughts on letting toddler play in room alone?

Question

I’m a stay at home/work from home mom and my baby sitting situation has recently changed. I can’t believe I haven’t thought of this before, but I’m considering letting my 2.5 year old play in her room while I get some work done. I put some engaging toys in there, a drink and her potty. I usually keep the potty in there anyway for naps and nighttime. I know she’s safe, I have the video monitor on and I’ve explained that I needed to get some work done, but she’s not in trouble and I need her to play by herself for a little while. She’s fine with this and has been happily playing in there for 20 min now. BUT WHY DO I FEEL SO GUILTY!? I don’t want her to feel like I’m locking her away or anything. Is this a horrible thing to do every once in a while? I really need the time to get work done, but not if it’s going to cause her psychological damage or something.

Answer

Sounds like a good plan but make sure you still make time to play with her. 
Someone said she never plays with her children..? Please don’t follow that. I remember when I was a child and my mother never played with me. I remember the sad feelings I had. Bond 🧡

Answer

I wouldn’t put a toilet in with her. That screams disaster to me. I would leave snacks with her either. A child that young should be monitored while eating. But letting baby play alone in a safe space is completely fine! 
But yes, definitely play with your child at some point. It’s very strange to me that multiple mothers are saying they actively try not to play with their children. 😳

Answer

I occasionally work from home when we have bad snow or kiddo is sick. I often will let him have free roam of our (childproof) livingroom where all his toys are while I work nearby in our dining room. He plays well alone and comes down to get me when he needs anything and I check on him often. It's fine and he is safe, fed, and warm and I am right there. Dont feel guilty! It will teach her independence in a safe way that will benefit her later in life.

Answer

Could you set her up where you are rather than in her room? I dont think theres anythibg wrong with what you're doing but maybe having her close would help get rid of those feelings?

Answer

I don’t play with my kids. Never really have. Here’s why: 
It’s so important for them to learn to play and be independent. His doesn’t mean I don’t ever play with them. But as soon as I join in, the play is no longer child led and they need child led play. It’s such an important part of development. 
So don’t feel bad about it. You aren’t gonna mess her up, you’re helping her learn many great skills.

Answer

I don't think its a problem to let her play in her room alone, just check on her frequently and make time to still actually play with her. I think it's important for kids to learn to play alone but it is equally important to take the time and play with them as well. I played alone a lot when i was a kid and i remember feeling like my parents didn't care about me.

Answer

This sounds fine to me. My son will go upstairs to his room because occasionally by himself while I don’t have the monitor on and I just yell up at him to see if he’s ok every couple of minutes. His playroom is on the main level but not within eyesight so I just listen for disasters. 😂

Answer

I think it’s totally fine minus the potty but if you’re brave enough to have it in there good for you. I would be too scared there’d be a huge mess. 
I am baffled by the people saying they don’t play with their kids. Playing with your kid is one way of showing love. It can still be child led playing. You just play along with whatever they want to play at. Some of my fondest memories as a child are of playing with my dad. He wasn’t home that much due to work but when he was he played with us. I don’t remember my mom ever really playing with us unless it was a card or board game and it wasn’t that often. Guess who I’m closer to? My dad. Playing with your child doesn’t mean they won’t learn to play independently because they will if they have a mix of independent play and other play.

Answer

I see nothing wrong with this. I get nothing done when my son is home with me haha As long as you aren’t giving her an iPad or similar device to babysit her and she’s legit playing, you shouldn’t feel guilty. I also would look into some programs at a good time for you that allows her to play with some other kiddos.

Answer

It’s totally fine. I’m a Sahm and in my daily schedule my 1 and 2 year old have 30 minutes of bedroom play alone. It’s the only way I can focus on at least one chore and fixing a healthy lunch. It also means they’re not killing each other and I have a camera in each room. It can teaches them a bit of independence and leaves room for imaginative play. I have fond memories of me playing happily in my room alone as a kid.

Thoughts on letting toddler play in room alone?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products