What workarounds did people try for "How to get a toddler to play by themselves"?

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Community members documented 30 workarounds:
1. Playing Uno, Candyland, blocks, and magnatiles together with the child
2. Teaching the older child to play with the younger sibling
3. Acting boring and doing independent activities nearby while the child plays
4. Setting up engaging independent activities like water play or animal figurines
5. Using a visual timer and building up tolerance for independent play in short increments
6. Involving kids in adult activities like cooking instead of changing activities to be kid-oriented
7. Setting up enclosed play areas like large playpens in the kitchen
8. Involving children in daily chores like cooking, gardening, and laundry
9. Using toys that encourage solo exploration like water play, toy cars, and audio players
10. Setting a timer for 15 minutes of independent play while reading a book nearby
11. Giving in to allowing the toddler to watch cartoons or TV
12. Trying to involve the toddler in household chores
13. Joining a local gym or YMCA with kid care facilities to work while the child plays
14. Enrolling the child in activities like swimming or gymnastics
15. Attending library storytimes or joining toddler co-op play groups
16. Playing audiobooks or music in the background to fill the silence
17. Gently setting expectations and nudging kids to go play by themselves
18. Facilitating introductions to other children to help break the ice
19. Providing constant entertainment or relying on screens to keep children occupied
20. Bringing toys out all over the house to have the child play nearby
21. Setting up structured 30-minute independent play times in a playroom
22. Engaging in play first and then backing away
23. Setting up play-in-progress during naptime so the child steps right in
24. letting the baby play independently and observing their development over time
25. comparing notes with other parents to see if their children behaved similarly
26. Setting up short 'quiet time' sessions and slowly building length using visual timers
27. Inviting the child to do chores or clean up together with the parent
28. Wearing headphones or playing music to reduce parental overstimulation
29. Scheduling dedicated 100% focus sessions (e.g., 'mama and me' time)
30. Relying on siblings or neighborhood peers as built-in playmates

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