10 Easy Ways to Encourage Child-Led Play

A Parent’s Guide to Fostering Independence and Creativity

As a parent, you may often feel the need to provide structured activities to keep your child entertained. However, some of the most powerful learning experiences come through child-led, unstructured play—where kids are free to explore, imagine, and create on their own. Inspired by the Danish approach to parenting, this guide will help you implement simple strategies to encourage child-led play and let your little one take the lead.

1. Create a “Yes” Space

Designate a space where your child can play freely and safely. This area should be child-proofed and filled with open-ended toys (like blocks, dolls, and art supplies) that allow them to explore without constant supervision or restriction. Let them lead their playtime in this zone, knowing they are safe.

2. Embrace Outdoor Play

Get outside! Danish parents encourage outdoor play year-round, no matter the weather. Nature offers endless opportunities for exploration—whether it’s climbing trees, digging in the dirt, or collecting leaves. Outdoor environments spark imagination and physical activity without the need for structured guidance.

3. Limit Screen Time

One of the easiest ways to make space for child-led play is by limiting passive screen time. Screens often provide structured entertainment, so encourage your child to rely on their imagination instead. Set specific times when devices are off-limits to create opportunities for unstructured play.

4. Offer Open-Ended Toys

Choose toys that allow for multiple uses rather than single-function gadgets. Items like building blocks, dress-up clothes, playdough, and simple dolls encourage imaginative play, where your child can invent scenarios and stories. These toys stimulate creativity and problem-solving.

5. Let Boredom Be the Gateway to Creativity

It’s tempting to step in when your child says, “I’m bored,” but boredom can actually be the catalyst for creativity. Give them time and space to work through it. You’ll be amazed at the inventive ways they entertain themselves once they engage their imagination.

6. Rotate Toys

Instead of overwhelming your child with too many toys at once, try rotating them. Keeping only a few toys accessible at a time can encourage more focused, creative play. Every few weeks, switch out the toys to reignite interest.

7. Encourage Role-Playing

Role-playing games allow children to experiment with different personas and scenarios. Whether it’s pretending to be a superhero, teacher, or shopkeeper, these activities develop social skills and emotional understanding. Provide simple props like costumes or household items, and let their imagination guide the story.

8. Resist the Urge to Direct

When your child plays, avoid stepping in with suggestions or corrections. Let them be in charge of their play decisions—even if their approach seems unconventional. This freedom helps them build problem-solving skills and confidence in their abilities.

9. Set Aside Time for Play

Make play a priority by ensuring your child has dedicated time for unstructured activities each day. Even 30 minutes of child-led play can make a big difference. This time helps them unwind, explore, and develop critical life skills.

10. Celebrate Their Creations

When your child completes a play project or shares their imaginative idea, show genuine interest and celebrate their creativity. Whether it’s a fort they’ve built or a story they’ve created, acknowledging their efforts reinforces their sense of accomplishment and encourages further exploration.

Ready to Watch Your Child Thrive?

By embracing child-led play, you’re giving your child the gift of independence, creativity, and emotional growth. Whether it’s through outdoor adventures, role-playing, or simply letting boredom blossom into invention, your little one will thrive with the freedom to lead their own playtime.

Book a free discovery call today!

Five Gentle Parenting Tips

At Cleo Nanny Co, we believe that parenting is most powerful when it’s grounded in empathy, consistency, and connection. Through the Cleo Ethos, our approach blends global best practices in childhood development—from the Danish way of parenting to Dan Siegel’s work on emotional intelligence.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or navigating toddlerhood’s tricky moments, here are five gentle parenting tips that work in everyday life.

Tip 1: Validate Big Feelings (Even When You Can’t Fix Them)

Children don’t need us to solve every problem—they need to know we understand. When your child is upset, try saying:

“I can see you’re really frustrated right now. That’s okay—I’m here.”

This teaches emotional literacy and builds trust. Our nannies are trained to respond to emotion before behaviour, creating a calm foundation for growth.

Tip 2: Set Clear, Kind Boundaries

Gentle parenting doesn’t mean saying “yes” to everything—it means setting limits with empathy. Try phrasing boundaries like:

“I won’t let you hit, but I can help you find another way to show how angry you feel.”

This respectful approach honours both your child’s emotions and your role as a calm leader.

Tip 3: Create Predictable Routines

Children thrive when they know what’s coming next. Predictable routines around meals, naps, and screen time help reduce tantrums and increase cooperation.

Cleo nannies are trained in routine planning tailored to each child’s rhythm—making transitions smoother and days more balanced.

Tip 4: Model Emotional Regulation

The best way to teach emotional control? Show it. When you're frustrated, narrate your process:

“I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m going to take three deep breaths before we keep going.”

This normalises self-regulation—and encourages your child to try it, too.

Tip 5: Focus on Connection Before Correction

Discipline is most effective when the relationship is strong. Before jumping into consequences, take a moment to reconnect:

“I love you. Let’s talk about what happened.”

Cleo’s holistic care model prioritises connection in every moment—because when children feel safe, they’re far more likely to listen, learn, and grow.

Final Thoughts

Gentle parenting is not about being perfect. It’s about being present, empathetic, and consistent. At Cleo Nanny Co, our nannies embody this approach in their daily care—empowering families with more peace, fewer power struggles, and deeper bonds.

Want More Support?

👉 Book a free discovery call to find a nanny trained in emotional intelligence and holistic childcare.

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Early Childhood

In today’s fast-paced world, emotional intelligence is becoming just as important—if not more so—than academic performance. For young children, developing EQ is a foundation for everything from healthy friendships to resilience and lifelong learning.

At Cleo Nanny Co, we train our nannies to intentionally support the growth of emotional intelligence in everyday routines using strategies grounded in Dan Siegel’s brain-based parenting, the Reggio Emilia approach, and our own Cleo Ethos.

Here’s why emotional intelligence matters so much in early childhood—and how you can nurture it in your child.

What Is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is the ability to:

• Recognise and label one’s emotions

• Understand how those emotions influence behaviour

• Regulate responses appropriately

• Empathise with others

• Form positive social connections

In other words: it’s about being smart with feelings. And like any skill, EQ can be taught.

2. The Early Years Are Critical

A child’s brain is most receptive to emotional learning between ages 0–7. During this time:

• Neural pathways are forming rapidly

• The limbic system (emotional brain) is in a sensitive development stage

• Habits around self-awareness and regulation are being hardwired

At Cleo, we see these years as an opportunity to give children the emotional toolkit they’ll use for the rest of their lives.

3. Emotional Language Starts at Home

Many children have big feelings but no language to express them. That’s why our nannies are trained to name emotions in the moment, such as:

• “You’re feeling frustrated because the block tower fell over.”

• “It looks like you’re proud of your drawing—what colours did you choose?”

This builds emotional vocabulary and helps children learn that feelings are valid, safe, and temporary.

4. Regulation Over Reactions

Instead of time-outs or “stop crying” language, our nannies practice co-regulation:

• Sitting calmly with a child in distress

• Using deep breaths and gentle voice tones

• Modeling how to return to a calm state

Children learn best through connection. When a trusted adult stays calm, the child’s nervous system feels safe and begins to mirror that calmness.

5. The Science Behind It: Dan Siegel’s “Name It to Tame It”

Neuroscientist Dan Siegel explains how naming emotions helps integrate the left (logical) and right (emotional) sides of the brain. By labeling a feeling, children can better:

• Understand what’s happening inside them

• Make sense of the experience

• Move through it without feeling overwhelmed

Our Cleo Nannies are trained to do exactly that—supporting both child and parent through everyday emotional learning moments.

6. Long-Term Benefits of High EQ

Children with strong emotional intelligence are shown to:

• Perform better academically

• Build stronger friendships

• Make safer decisions in adolescence

• Experience less anxiety and depression

EQ doesn’t just help kids—it helps families thrive with less conflict and more connection.

Final Thoughts

At Cleo Nanny Co, we believe emotional intelligence is one of the most valuable gifts we can give a child. Through play, presence, and connection, our nannies nurture this vital skill every day.

Want a nanny who’s trained in emotional coaching?

👉 Book a discovery call to find your perfect match.

The Power of Secure Attachment: Why It’s the Foundation for Confident, Resilient Kids

Every parent wants to raise a child who feels safe, confident, and loved. But what’s the secret to raising emotionally healthy kids? The answer lies in something both simple and profound: secure attachment.

At Cleo Nanny Co, our nannies are trained in the principles of attachment theory to help foster emotional safety and trust in every interaction. This blog explores why secure attachment matters, how it’s formed, and the role a skilled nanny can play in your child’s emotional development.

1. What Is Secure Attachment?

Secure attachment is the deep bond a child forms with their primary caregivers that tells them:

"I am safe. I am loved. My needs will be met."

When a child consistently experiences love, comfort, and responsive care, their brain learns that the world is a safe place—and that they are worthy of love and belonging.

2. Why It Matters

Children with secure attachment tend to:

• Explore confidently and return for comfort when needed

• Develop stronger emotional regulation skills

• Build trusting relationships with peers and adults

• Perform better academically and socially

On the flip side, insecure attachment can lead to anxiety, difficulty managing emotions, and challenges forming healthy relationships later in life.

3. It’s Built Through Consistency and Presence

Secure attachment doesn’t come from being a perfect parent or caregiver—it comes from being a responsive one.

Our Cleo Nannies are trained to:

• Notice and respond to a child’s cues (hunger, fatigue, upset)

• Offer warmth, eye contact, and physical comfort

• Stay emotionally present during meltdowns, not just celebrations

• Be a consistent and calming presence over time

These small daily actions build trust—the foundation of secure attachment.

4. The Science: What Happens in the Brain

Attachment impacts the development of the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for:

• Decision-making

• Impulse control

• Emotional regulation

• Social behaviour

When a child feels securely attached, their brain is more free to focus on learning, playing, and growing.

5. The Role of a Nanny in Attachment

In busy families, nannies often become secondary attachment figures—and that’s a good thing. A consistent, emotionally attuned nanny can:

• Provide a secure base when parents are at work

• Help the child build trust in others beyond the family

• Reinforce emotional skills being taught at home

• Offer support and stability during transitions like moving house or starting daycare

That’s why every Cleo Nanny is trained in relational care—we don’t just care for your child, we care with them.

6. Real Life: What Secure Attachment Looks Like

• A toddler runs to their nanny when frightened, knowing they’ll be comforted

• A child expresses their emotions without fear of being dismissed

• A nanny calmly acknowledges big feelings instead of punishing them

• There’s laughter, cuddles, and eye contact built into the daily rhythm

These aren’t just sweet moments—they’re building blocks for lifelong mental health.

Final Thoughts

Secure attachment isn’t just a parenting buzzword—it’s a powerful emotional framework that helps children feel safe enough to explore the world and strong enough to bounce back when things go wrong.

At Cleo Nanny Co, we know that the early years matter—and we’re here to support your child’s emotional development every step of the way.

Ready for a nanny who nurtures more than routines?

👉 Book a discovery call today