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 with a Holistic Nanny in Sydney?
By embracing child-led play through a holistic childcare approach, you're giving your child the gift of independence, creativity, and emotional development. Whether it’s through outdoor adventures, imaginative role-playing, or allowing boredom to spark invention, your little one will thrive with the freedom to lead their own learning. At Cleo Nanny Co, our trained Sydney nannies are carefully selected to support child-led, respectful parenting philosophies that nurture the whole child.

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.

Gentle Parenting with a Trained Sydney Nanny
Gentle parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about being present, empathetic, and consistent. At Cleo Nanny Co, our experienced Sydney nannies are trained in respectful parenting and holistic childcare philosophies, supporting families who value emotional intelligence and positive discipline. This approach fosters deeper connections, reduces power struggles, and brings more peace and confidence to your daily family life.

Want More Support?

👉 Book a free discovery call to find a Sydney 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.

Holistic Childcare and Emotional Intelligence
At Cleo Nanny Co, we believe emotional intelligence is one of the most valuable gifts we can give a child. Through child-led play, mindful presence, and genuine connection, our trained Sydney nannies nurture this vital skill every day. Rooted in holistic childcare and respectful parenting philosophies, our approach ensures children are supported emotionally, socially, and developmentally in their own unique way.

Want a Sydney nanny who’s trained in emotional coaching?

👉 Book a discovery call to find your perfect match.

Why Consistent, Attuned Adult Care is Essential for Babies and Young Children

At Cleo Nanny Co, we believe the earliest relationships a child experiences form the emotional blueprint for how they connect with the world. That’s why consistent, attuned care from a loving adult isn’t just beneficial—it’s foundational.

The Power of Presence

From the moment they’re born, babies thrive on connection.

Responsive caregiving—where an adult tunes into a child’s cues, responds with empathy, and offers calm guidance—shapes the development of secure attachment. This emotional bond helps children feel safe, soothed, and seen.

When a child has a steady, caring adult in their daily life, they’re more likely to:

• Explore confidently

• Regulate their emotions

• Build strong social and cognitive skills

Our trained Sydney nannies are carefully selected and supported to provide this level of care. Through ongoing training and alignment with your family’s values, they become more than just a helping hand—they become a trusted extension of your caregiving team.

Continuity Builds Confidence

Many families face the stress of frequent carer turnover or daycare environments that can’t always provide one-on-one attention.

But children under five need predictability and emotional consistency.

It’s through this steady rhythm of care that they build:

• Trust

• Resilience

• Emotional security

At Cleo Nanny Co, we focus on long-term placements and continuity of care. Our nannies form deep, meaningful relationships with the children they support—helping them grow with confidence in a calm, familiar environment.

More Than Babysitting: It’s Emotional Scaffolding

Our nannies are grounded in holistic childcare philosophies like Reggio Emilia, Steiner, and Dr. Dan Siegel’s work.

This means they understand the importance of:

• Attunement

• Emotional regulation

• Child-led play

They create safe, engaging environments where children can explore, express, and evolve at their own pace.

Whether it's soothing an infant during a nap transition or guiding a toddler through big feelings with compassion, our experienced Sydney nannies offer the kind of emotionally intelligent care that supports long-term wellbeing.

A Partnership You Can Trust

We know that choosing the right care for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

That’s why Cleo Nanny Co goes beyond basic nanny placement.

We provide:
✅ Personalised matching
✅ Ongoing nanny training
✅ Full employee management
✅ Reliable, continuity-focused care

With Cleo Nanny Co, you’re not just hiring a nanny—you’re investing in your child’s emotional future.

Ready to Experience the Cleo Difference?

Book your free discovery call today to find out how our trained Sydney nannies can support your family with calm, consistent, and connected care.