What is the importance of independent play in child development and how can parents encourage and support it?
Independent play is crucial for a child's development as it fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and self-reliance. Parents can encourage and support independent play by providing a safe and stimulating environment, offering a variety of toys and materials, setting aside dedicated time for play, and allowing the child to explore and make choices on their own. It is important for parents to resist the urge to constantly intervene or direct the child's play, as this can hinder their ability to develop important skills.