As nannies, educators, or parents, it’s natural to want to interact with and guide young children as they explore and learn through play. However, both the Montessori and Reggio Emilia educational philosophies emphasize the importance of allowing children uninterrupted playtime. These approaches recognize play as critical to a child’s development, creativity, and ability to problem-solve independently. So, why is it important to resist the urge to interrupt, and how can we apply these principles in daily life?