How to encourage independent play

It is not possible to entertain your kids 24-7.  These times might include cooking dinner, talking on the phone, paying bills, cleaning the fridge, etc.  Or the occasional moment you might like to take five minutes for yourself.  I know that I need strategies for these times.  Also, starting in their toddler years, it is good for our children to learn to do things independently. 

I use bins.  This is a simple technique that requires little money and little time on your part to set up.  Our toy box is full of bins, I try not to have any loose toys.  There is a bin of monster trucks (and other vehicles), a bin of blocks for building, a bin of tools and a bin of cooking items (a pot, play food, an apron, and spoon).  It is a good idea to offer a variety of toys, but not too many choices.  Too many choices can be overwhelming.  Each bin has a picture label on it, you can use clip art. 

Now our son can get a bin out of the toy box, sit down with it and all of its pieces are in one place...which is much more suitable for independent play.  He knows where his toys belong, making clean up time a breeze!