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.
Finding your starting point
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.
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.
One simple play idea
Track a Play Experience
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.
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.
Pause before you respond
ONE SYSTEM. DIFFERENT MOMENTS.
Use the resource that answers the question in front of you.
You won’t need every resource every time.
Choose a starting point.
Find something to try.
Consider your response in the moment.
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.
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 SystemSmall steps. Brighter tomorrows.