Pretend play is very important for toddlers. As their language skills grow, they become more adapt at telling stories and pretend play. At this stage, having the opportunity for make believe will help them grow and develop to the best of their abilities.
As they get a little older, toddlers can benefit from different “props” that help them explore jobs and activities that adults do. Copying the adults around them is a way for them to explore the world, gain confidence in themselves, develop more language skills and try new things in a safe environment.
For pretend play, simple toys are always the best. A play kitchen or tool bench, toy phones, shopping carts and pretend food, dolls, cash registers, brooms and pretend cleaning supplies, toy cars and trucks, play keys, and even cardboard boxes can all launch their imaginations. Every child that comes into our home, seems immediately drawn to our play kitchen.
To promote pretend play, avoid the noisy and “bossy toys.” While these toys can certainly gain a lot of attention, they also tend to lead your toddler, rather than letting your toddler make the rules and try different ways of playing. That is not to say that some flash isn’t nice. A truck that has lights that can be turned on and off, for example, can encourage different scenarios. A truck that lights up, plays music and talks, can be less of an exploration into pretend play.
Don’t be surprised when your toddler invites you in to his world of pretend play. Participate in this play, and you just may get some new insights to your child. You may be served a wonderful pretend meal of fried eggs and pickles, or you may zoom off into outer space with your toddler as the pilot. Let him take the lead in this play, but offer encouragement and ask plenty of questions to spark imagination and language development.
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