INSIDE THE SYSTEM

Four resources. Support for the moments in between.

From choosing where to begin to deciding when to step back, each IndieSteps resource gives you a different kind of support.

Here’s a closer look at what you’ll find inside the system—and how each resource can help in a real play moment.

Where do we begin? What could we try today? Do they need me right now? What comes next?
INDIESTEPS STUDIO THE GUIDE

Finding your starting point

NOTICE Where is your child now?
CONSIDER What support do they need?
CHOOSE One manageable next step
RETURN Adjust as needs change
01

THE GUIDE

Your Child’s First Steps Toward Independent Play

A clearer place to begin.

The guide helps you look at where your child is now before deciding what to try next.

Inside, you’ll find guidance to help you think about how your child currently approaches play, where they may still need support, and which small step feels realistic for your family.

You can return to it whenever you need to reset, adjust your expectations, or choose a new starting point.

USE IT WHEN YOU’RE WONDERING “Where do we begin?”
02

THE ACTIVITY CARDS

30 Ready-to-Play Cards + Parent Guide

A play idea, without starting from scratch.

The activity cards give you 30 screen-free ideas using simple, familiar materials.

Each card gives you a clear activity to try, while the accompanying Parent Guide helps you prepare, think about the setup, and support your child as they get started.

Choose an idea that fits your child’s interests, repeat a favorite, or adapt an activity to suit the day.

You don’t need a new activity every time. Familiar play can be useful too.

USE THEM WHEN YOU’RE WONDERING “What could we try today?”
READY-TO-PLAY CARD + PARENT GUIDE

One simple play idea

ACTIVITY Choose an idea that fits your child’s interests.
GET READY Gather simple, familiar materials.
PARENT GUIDE Prepare the setup and help your child begin.
STEP-BACK PROGRESS PLANNER REFLECT

Track a Play Experience

DATE / ACTIVITY What did you try?
RECORD / NOTICE What caught their attention?
Stay close
Offer help
More space
THE NEXT SMALL STEP What might you repeat, change, or try next?
03

THE PLANNER

Step-Back Progress Planner

A place to notice what’s working.

The planner helps you capture the small details that can be easy to forget once play is over.

Record the activity, notice what caught your child’s attention, reflect on the support they needed, and consider one manageable next step.

You’ll also have space to think about where you were in the moment—whether your child needed you close, needed some help, or was ready for a little more space.

There’s no schedule to keep up with. Use the planner when reflection feels useful.

USE IT WHEN YOU’RE WONDERING “What should we repeat, change, or try next?”
04

THE DECISION TOOL

Decision Tool

Support for the “Should I help?” moments.

The Decision Tool is designed for the moments when you’re not quite sure what your child needs from you.

Pause. Notice what’s happening. Consider whether your child needs reassurance, practical help, your presence nearby, or more time to keep trying.

The goal isn’t to step back as quickly as possible. It’s to help you respond more intentionally while keeping supervision appropriate to your child and the activity.

USE IT WHEN YOU’RE WONDERING “Do they need me right now?”
DECISION TOOL IN THE MOMENT

Pause before you respond

01 — PAUSE Give yourself a moment before stepping in.
02 — NOTICE What is your child showing you right now?
03 — CONSIDER Stay close, offer help, or allow more time?

ONE SYSTEM. DIFFERENT MOMENTS.

Use the resource that answers the question in front of you.

You won’t need every resource every time.

The Guide

Choose a starting point.

The Cards

Find something to try.

The Decision Tool

Consider your response in the moment.

The Planner

Reflect afterward and choose what comes next.

DIGITAL RESOURCES. MADE FOR EVERYDAY USE.

Keep what you need close at hand.

Open the resources on your device and print only the cards or pages you want nearby.

Guidance for you. Screen-free play for your child. The resources help you prepare and reflect while the play experiences themselves stay screen-free.
All four resources are digital. Toys and activity materials are not included.

YOUR NEXT SMALL STEP

A little guidance. More room to explore.

Bring the four resources together and find a starting point that fits your child, your family, and the day you’re having.

Get the Complete System

Digital downloads · For parents of children ages 2–5

Small steps. Brighter tomorrows.