My DS loves self-directed play time, and I understand from my reading that this kind of time is crucial for his development and learning. I also love the bounce and spirit he shows when he�s playing at his solo games. At the same time, I need him to follow my direction sometimes, and he needs the experience of receiving direction as part of his development. In school, nearly all his activity is �other-directed.� Sometimes it seems inevitable that his capacity to act on his own initiative will eventually get smothered.
I wonder how other parents balance these two modes. I�m also interested in parental tricks of the trade for transitioning from one to the other, and to the mixed directivedness of interactive play.
Thanks for your thoughts.
