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Independent play — and independence more broadly — is not something children either “have” or “don’t have.” It’s a skill, and like most skills in early childhood, it develops slowly with practice, support, and repetition.



That was a key theme in a recent Vivvi webinar on building independence, led by early childhood educator <a href="https://charmspring.com/blogs/the-magic-years/jennie-monness-union-square-play-charmspring" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jennie Monness</a>. As she shared, “It empowers them into believing that they can do a lot more than I think both grown-ups and kids kind of think they can.” At its core, that’s what independence is all about: giving children the chance to participate, practice, and begin to see themselves as capable.



And that matters. Independence is not just about playing without constant adult involvement. It helps children build confidence, flexibility, problem-solving skills, and a stronger sense of security in their day-to-day lives.



At Vivvi, we know that young children thrive when they feel both supported and capable. The goal is not to expect children to do everything on their own before they are ready. It’s to create the conditions that help independence grow, little by little.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why independence matters in early childhood</h2>



For young children, independence starts small. It might look like putting a toy back on the shelf, choosing between two pairs of shoes, helping set the table, or playing for a few minutes without an adult leading the way.



These moments may seem simple, but they build something important. When children are given opportunities to do things for themselves, they begin to develop confidence in their own abilities. They learn that they can try, make mistakes, problem-solve, and keep going. Over time, those small moments of ownership add up.



As Jennie explained <a href="https://youtu.be/ih5i_UHNWv4?si=XmcgQ3h4_g1iTm78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">during the webinar</a>, routines are often the foundation that makes independence possible. Predictability helps children feel safe, and that sense of safety makes it easier for them to participate more actively in their day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to encourage independence in young children</h2>



Here are six practical ways to support independence at home:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Start small</h3>



Independence does not have to mean long stretches of solo play or a child suddenly doing everything alone. Start with a few manageable minutes. Maybe your child plays while you switch the laundry, unload the dishwasher, or finish one task nearby. The goal is not distance. It’s giving them a chance to try.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Use routines to create predictability</h3>



Children are more likely to act independently when they know what to expect. For young children, that usually means <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/family/articles/routines-for-young-children" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">simple, consistent routines</a> rather than strict schedules. Think less in terms of the clock and more in terms of sequence: first we wash hands, then we eat; first we read one book, then it’s bedtime. Predictable routines help children feel secure, and that security supports independence.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Pause before solving boredom</h3>



When children say, “I’m bored,” it can be tempting to jump in with a new activity right away. But boredom is often the space where creativity begins. A small pause gives children the opportunity to come up with their own ideas, follow their curiosity, and practice initiating play on their own.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Resist the urge to over-direct</h3>



It is natural to want to step in when something looks messy, inefficient, or not quite right. But when adults direct every part of a child’s play or problem-solving, children can start to rely on that direction. If the tower is crooked or the pretend story makes no sense, that is okay. Independence grows when children feel ownership over what they are doing.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Offer support instead of pressure</h3>



There is a big difference between expecting independence and supporting it. Instead of saying, “Hurry up and put on your shoes,” try, “What do you need to help you put on your shoes?” That shift can lower the pressure while still encouraging the skill. Children are often more willing to try when they feel supported rather than rushed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. Make room for meaningful contribution</h3>



Young children love to feel helpful. Independence grows when children are included in the real work of family life in age-appropriate ways. They can carry a diaper to the changing table, tear lettuce for a salad, put books back on the shelf, or help clean up toys. These small responsibilities build confidence and communicate something powerful: you are capable, and your contributions matter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Building independence through everyday moments</h2>



One of the most helpful reminders from the webinar was that independence does not appear all at once. It is built through repetition, routine, and many small chances to participate.



It is also worth remembering that independent play does not need to look perfect to be valuable. A child may need support at first. They may check back in often. They may only manage a few minutes before asking for help. That is all part of the process.



The work of building independence is not about stepping away completely. It is about staying close enough to support, while leaving enough space for children to discover what they can do.

Discover six expert-backed ways to encourage independence in young children, from routines and independent play to meaningful responsibilities at home.

How to Build Independent Play

How to Encourage Independent Play

At Vivvi, we think a lot about how children learn — but we’re also parents and caregivers who know what actually gets played with at home. So when you&#8217;re shopping for gifts for your little ones, keep this rule in mind: the best gifts are the ones children return to — because they’re simple, flexible, and leave room for imagination. These are the things we actually use, love, and recommend to each other as parents and caregivers.



To help guide your shopping, we put together a gift guide of favorites from across the Vivvi team. These are the toys and tools we genuinely love because kids come back to them again and again — and because they support learning in ways that feel natural, joyful, and unforced.



<a href="https://www.smallable.com/en/product/fish-sensory-bottle-yellow-petit-boum-334121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sensory Bottle (Petit Boum) — $18</a><a href="https://www.smallable.com/en/product/spiral-sensory-bottle-candy-pink-petit-boum-407029" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a>Picked by: Sheila Daniel, Campus Success Manager Best for ages: 3–12 months Why we love it: We use sensory bottles here at Vivvi in just about every classroom, but there’s nothing quite like seeing a baby captivated by one for the very first time. The gentle movement and swirling colors completely hold their attention. It’s calm, quiet, and genuinely magical. Why it’s great for young learners: Sensory bottles support early visual tracking, focus, and attention. With no right way to play, babies explore cause and effect entirely on their own terms.



<a href="https://www.maisonette.com/product/woodland-music-set" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wooden Musical Instruments Set (Mentari Toys) — $42</a> Picked by: Analissa Woolford, Recruitment Manager Best for ages: 18 months–4 years Why we love it: This is joyful noise in the best way. Kids love tapping, shaking, and experimenting with sound — whether they’re playing solo or putting on a full family concert. Why it’s great for young learners: Musical play supports coordination, rhythm, listening skills, and self-expression, while helping children understand cause and effect.



<a href="https://www.pinholepress.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Personalized Photo Book (Pinhol</a><a href="https://www.pinholepress.com/">e Press) — from $39</a> Picked by: Lauren Hobbs, Chief Marketing Officer Best for ages: Newborn–5 years Why we love it: Nothing gets more repeat reads than a book with familiar faces. Kids love spotting themselves and retelling memories, and these make meaningful gifts for grandparents. Why it’s great for young learners: Personalized books build language, memory, emotional connection, and early storytelling skills.



<a href="https://a.co/d/94Hr7gV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Do A Dot Art! Washable Dot Markers (Do A Dot Art!) — $20</a> Picked by: Jessica Pallay, Director of Communications Best for ages: 18 months–4 years Why we love it: These make art time feel doable. They’re easy to hold, satisfying to use, and don’t require much setup or cleanup. Why it’s great for young learners: The dotting motion strengthens fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while encouraging creativity.



<a href="https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/kids-glitter-hearts-toilet-bombs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glitter Heart Toilet Bombs &#8211; $18</a> Picked by: Anna Buning, VP of Finance Best for ages: 2 –5 years (potty training age) Why we love it: Potty training can be a long haul, and this adds a little fun to the routine. Dropping a glitter heart into the bowl before flushing turns toilet time into something kids actually look forward to — and the grape scent doesn’t hurt either. Why it’s great for young learners: Potty training is about confidence and independence. A simple, playful ritual like this helps kids feel excited and in control, making the process feel positive instead of pressured.



<a href="https://akidsco.com/collections/a-little-book-about-1?srsltid=AfmBOoq4kxv_0oULLa7py5drsho6QGJi_JMmi9_tMtbEpheGRaZNAOj9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8220;A Little Book About&#8221; Series (A Kids Co. x Penguin Random House) &#8211; $12.95 each</a> Picked by: Jade Francis, Learning &amp; Curriculum Manager Best for ages:&nbsp;0–4 years Why we love it: These books are simple, warm, and easy to come back to. The topics invite meaningful conversations without feeling heavy, and they’re just the right length for reading together with little ones. Why it’s great for young learners: Titles like&nbsp;Feelings,&nbsp;Belonging, and&nbsp;Curiosity&nbsp;help children build emotional awareness and language in an age-appropriate way, supporting early social-emotional development.



<a href="https://www.target.com/p/laugh-38-learn-smart-stages-learn-38-serve-coffee-cafe/-/A-89960117">Laugh &amp; Learn Smart Stages Learn &amp; Serve Coffee Café (Fisher-Price) — $17 </a>Picked by: Lauren Perotta, VP of Partnerships Best for ages: 18 months–3 years Why we love it: If your child loves watching you make coffee, this feels instantly familiar and sparks lots of pretend play. Why it’s great for young learners: Pretend play supports language development, sequencing, and social interaction, with stages that grow alongside your child.



<a href="https://www.meetlalo.com/products/tea-set" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tea Set (Lalo) — $39.99</a> Picked by: Athena Papanicolau, VP of Client Success Best for ages: 3–5 years Why we love it: This is a classic, screen-free favorite — just pouring, hosting, and serious tea party energy. Why it’s great for young learners: Open-ended pretend play encourages communication, cooperation, imagination, and social-emotional development.



<a href="https://stickerbox.com/products/stickerbox" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Custom Imagination Stickers (Stickerbox) — $99.99</a> Picked by: Danielle Wilson, Event and Social Media Manager Best for ages: 3–5 years Why we love it: Kids are endlessly proud seeing their ideas turned into something real — and these end up everywhere. Why it’s great for young learners: Sticker play builds expressive language, fine motor skills, and creativity.



<a href="https://www.target.com/p/melissa-38-doug-magnetic-chalkboard-and-dry-erase-board/-/A-76150954" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magnetic Chalkboard &amp; Dry-Erase Board with Letters and Numbers (Melissa &amp; Doug) — $26</a> Picked by: Lauren Nilles, SVP of People Best for ages: 3–6 years Why we love it: This comes out again and again for drawing, doodling, and early writing practice. Why it’s great for young learners: Supports early literacy, numeracy, creativity, and confidence through hands-on exploration.



<a href="https://gathre.com/products/block-playset" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Block Playset (Gathre) — $500</a> Picked by: Jill Duncan, Director of Client Success Best for ages: 3–5 years Why we love it: This invites big-body play that kids don’t outgrow quickly — forts, ramps, and obstacle courses galore. Why it’s great for young learners: Climbing and building support balance, spatial awareness, problem-solving, and gross motor development.



Looking for more gift ideas? Check out: <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/family/articles/open-ended-toys-gifts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open-Ended Toy Gift Guide</a> <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/family/articles/vivvi-toy-gift-guide-by-age" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toy Gift Guide by Age</a>

Discover parent-approved gift ideas for children 0–5, curated by Vivvi parents and educators—playful, thoughtful picks kids love and learn from.

Vivvi Staff Gift Guide: Favorite Finds for Children 0–5

Vivvi Gift Guide: Staff Picks for 0-5

Vivvi has opened a new Upper West Side child care campus at 666 West End Avenue, serving infants, toddlers and twos, ages 0–36 months. Vivvi is a child care and early learning provider offering full-day programs for infants and toddlers, designed to meet the needs of today&#8217;s working families.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">At a Glance</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Address: 666 West End Avenue (The Windermere), New York, NY</li>



<li>Opening Date: January 2026</li>



<li>Ages Served: 0–36 months (infants, toddlers and twos programs)</li>



<li>Capacity: 72 seats</li>



<li>Hours of Operation: 7am–7pm, year-round</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Location &amp; Accessibility</h2>



Located near the 96th Street 1/2/3 express station and steps from Riverside Park, Vivvi UWS offers the convenience families need for easy drop-off and pick-up, along with proximity to beloved neighborhood green spaces that enrich daily outdoor exploration.



Transit &amp; Neighborhood:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>96th Street subway station (1/2/3 express lines)</li>



<li>Steps from Riverside Park</li>



<li>In The Windermere building at 666 West End Avenue</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Programs Offered</h2>



Vivvi UWS will offer year-round, full-day schedules from 7am–7pm, giving working parents the flexibility they need without compromising on an exceptional early-learning experience. With rolling admissions and program options for children ages 0–24 months, families will have access to a modern, thoughtfully designed campus that supports both care and daily family routines.



The Upper West Side campus marks Vivvi&#8217;s latest expansion in New York City, joining more than a dozen&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://vivvi.com/locations">locations</a>across Manhattan, Dumbo, and Westchester. &#8220;The Upper West Side has always felt like an ideal home for us,&#8221; said Charles Bonello, co-founder and CEO of Vivvi. &#8220;We&#8217;re grateful for the warm welcome and excited to bring our mission to a neighborhood that truly values learning, curiosity and community. We can&#8217;t wait to become part of daily life here on the UWS.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Campus Features</h2>



The space is crafted with true intention, designed around how&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://vivvi.com/infant">infants</a>&nbsp;and toddlers actually learn and explore.



Program Features &amp; Amenities:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Year-round care with rolling admissions</li>



<li>Indoor &#8220;Wiggle Room&#8221; for crawling, climbing, balancing, and movement</li>



<li>Sensory play areas throughout classrooms</li>



<li>Child-scaled furniture</li>



<li>Cozy nooks for quiet time</li>



<li>Dedicated zones for small group experiences</li>



<li>Proximity to Riverside Park for outdoor exploration</li>
</ul>



A signature highlight of the new campus will be its indoor &#8220;Wiggle Room,&#8221; providing space for crawling, climbing, balancing and movement—supporting infants&#8217; and toddlers&#8217; gross motor development even on cold, rainy, or icy days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Educational Philosophy</h2>



Vivvi&#8217;s approach centers on intentional, play-based learning designed specifically for how infants and toddlers naturally explore and develop. Classrooms are thoughtfully designed to encourage curiosity, sensory discovery, and age-appropriate independence, with dedicated spaces for both active movement and calm, focused experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Enrollment Information</h2>



Vivvi Upper West Side is now enrolling for its January 2026 opening.



<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://vivvi.com/locations/upper-west-side">Learn more or sign up to take a tour here.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



What ages does Vivvi Upper West Side serve?&nbsp;Vivvi UWS serves infants and toddlers ages 0–24 months.



What are the hours of operation?&nbsp;The campus is open 7am–7pm, year-round.



How do I enroll?&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://vivvi.com/locations/upper-west-side">vivvi.com/locations/upper-west-side</a>&nbsp;to learn more or sign up for a tour.

The new location, inside The Windermere at 666 West End Avenue, will offer high-quality care and early learning for infants and toddlers, creating up to 72 new child-care seats for one of Manhattan’s most family-centered neighborhoods.

Vivvi to Open on NYC's Upper West Side

Vivvi Open on NYC’s Upper West Side

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Check out our newest campus in Gramercy! <a href="https://vivvi.com/locations/gramercy">Explore here.</a>

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