My child cries the moment I leave the room. Where should I start?

We cover a very gradual step-away approach designed for exactly this situation, starting with staying close by and slowly increasing distance and time over days or weeks. It is not about a sudden switch but a steady, low-pressure build-up.

How long should independent play last at different ages?

Realistic durations vary considerably by age and temperament, and we provide general guidance in the session and booklet. The goal is short, successful stretches rather than long periods that set your child up to struggle.

Does the type of toy matter for independent play?

Yes, open-ended toys that do not require adult direction, such as blocks or simple pretend play items, tend to support independent play better than toys designed for one specific use. We cover set-up ideas in the booklet.

Is it bad for my child to want to play with me all the time?

Not at all, wanting connection with you is healthy and normal. This workshop is about building the additional skill of comfortable solo play alongside that connection, not replacing time together.

What if my child only wants me to watch, not play with them?

This is a common in-between stage, and we cover how to gradually reduce direct involvement while still offering reassurance, which often helps children move toward fuller independent play over time.

For parents

Encouraging Independent Play

Many children need support to build the confidence to play alone, especially if they are used to constant adult involvement. This workshop looks at how to encourage independent play gradually, so your child feels secure rather than abandoned, and you get some genuinely usable time back in the day. The approach is gentle and realistic, recognising that some children take longer than others to settle into it.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

See dates & book Request this as a private session

Who this is for

Parents and carers of children aged one to six who want to build their child's confidence in playing alone for short, manageable stretches.

What we cover in the hour

Why some children struggle more than others with independent play.
Building independent play gradually rather than expecting it suddenly.
Setting up an environment that invites a child to play without your direction.
How to step away without it feeling like a sudden disappearance.
Realistic time expectations by age for independent play.
What to do when your child calls you back repeatedly.

What you'll leave with

A gradual step-away method suited to nervous or clingy children.
A simple environment checklist for inviting independent play.
Age-based realistic time expectations for solo play.
Language for stepping away that reassures rather than unsettles.
A take-home booklet with independent play set-up ideas by age.

Inside the booklet

The booklet includes an environment-setup checklist, a gradual step-away plan, and independent play activity ideas organised by age.

This workshop draws on the Aistear theme of Wellbeing, supporting children in building the confidence and security needed to explore and play independently.

How it can be delivered

Delivery formats and prices for Encouraging Independent Play
Format	Price
Public ticket — live onlineOne hour, small group, booklet emailed	€20 per person
Public ticket — in personOne hour in a venue near you, booklet in hand	€35 per person
Private 1:1 with Amy30 minutes €25 · full hour €50 (3 for €135)	from €25
Private group — onlineParent evening or staff session, minimum 5	€35 per person
Private group — in personYour setting or venue, minimum 6	€45 per person

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

My child cries the moment I leave the room. Where should I start?: We cover a very gradual step-away approach designed for exactly this situation, starting with staying close by and slowly increasing distance and time over days or weeks. It is not about a sudden switch but a steady, low-pressure build-up.
How long should independent play last at different ages?: Realistic durations vary considerably by age and temperament, and we provide general guidance in the session and booklet. The goal is short, successful stretches rather than long periods that set your child up to struggle.
Does the type of toy matter for independent play?: Yes, open-ended toys that do not require adult direction, such as blocks or simple pretend play items, tend to support independent play better than toys designed for one specific use. We cover set-up ideas in the booklet.
Is it bad for my child to want to play with me all the time?: Not at all, wanting connection with you is healthy and normal. This workshop is about building the additional skill of comfortable solo play alongside that connection, not replacing time together.
What if my child only wants me to watch, not play with them?: This is a common in-between stage, and we cover how to gradually reduce direct involvement while still offering reassurance, which often helps children move toward fuller independent play over time.

Related workshops

More in this theme: Schemas in play · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.

Trusted early years resources

Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.

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