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Home › Articles › Development › Room to Grow

Room to Grow

Giving Your Toddlers Independence and Encouraging Them to Explore

By Shel Franco

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Lisa Sanders of Manassas, Va., allows her 2-year-old son to spend time playing in his bedroom without her constant supervision.

"It is completely childproof," she says. "I believe he needs that time to discover himself and his world. I can hear him playing with his toys and books, and it makes me feel really good to know he can entertain himself."

Many mothers of toddlers agree that their children are capable of play, out of Mom's sight, for small periods of time in an environment that is "safe." Still, it's important to point out that experts in child development have differing opinions.

"While it is healthy to allow for this exploration and self-assertion to some extent, it is never appropriate to leave toddlers unsupervised because they lack the judgment to decide what is safe," Rothenberg says.

If you feel strongly your child is ready for play away from your side, Folds suggests that at the very least, parents use baby monitors to keep tabs on the sounds in the room. However, she does add her own warning.

"I would be hesitant to recommend the parents can safely leave a room and answer a phone or use the bathroom even with a baby monitor," she says. "Toddlers can find danger in an instant. Let the answering machine pick up the call so you can monitor it later. Take your toddler to the bathroom with you and read a story together. There will be plenty of time as the child grows to further your distance."


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