Gulfport, Mississippi – A Mississippi mom is sharing her experience with a popular parenting concept that has positively impacted her family. Laynah Rose Crawley, known as “The Fun Homeschool Mom” on Instagram, credits the term “sittervising” for allowing her to give her children more independence. She first learned about this term from Seattle-based mom Susie Allison, who discussed it on her blog, “The Busy Toddler.”
Sittervising, a combination of “sitting” and “supervising,” has gained attention among parents online since Allison’s blog post in 2022. Crawley describes sittervising as allowing children to play independently in the same room as parents without direct involvement in their play. This approach has allowed Crawley to give her two boys, Bryan and Benjamin, the space to explore and play creatively.
As her boys have grown, Crawley has adapted her sittervising techniques to foster independence in her children. Starting when they were around 2 and 3 years old, she implemented sittervising to encourage their independence and give herself some rest. Crawley emphasizes the importance of establishing an emotional connection with her children before stepping back to let them play on their own.
Through sittervising, Crawley has noticed positive changes in her children, such as increased confidence, creativity, and improved speech and social skills. This parenting approach has allowed her kids to thrive academically, physically, and emotionally, leading to a more confident and independent upbringing.
Psychologist Don Grant acknowledges the benefits of sittervising for parents who need occasional breaks. He highlights the importance of attachment theory in ensuring that children feel secure and connected to their parents. Grant emphasizes the significance of parents being observant and responsive during sittervising to support a strong and secure attachment between parent and child.
Overall, Crawley views sittervising as a tool that promotes independence and creativity in children. By giving her children the freedom to play and explore on their own, she has seen them flourish in various aspects of their development. With sittervising, Crawley and her family have found a balance that allows her children to grow and thrive in a nurturing environment.