Pretend play is a natural play activity that has many benefits for children's development. Not only is this activity involving imagination suitable for preschoolers, but even younger children can participate. It is important that parents know how to encourage age-appropriate pretend play and create excitement. The article below will share ways to encourage children to play pretend according to each age for parents to refer to.
How to encourage children to play pretend?
Let children play alone or with friends and relatives
When children play alone, they can create their own games and unleash their imagination. When children play with friends and relatives, they will learn social and emotional skills. These are both necessary skills for children's development.
Let the child be the leader
When playing pretend with children, parents should not force or guide children to do what they want. Unless the child is the one asking for help or advice from the parents, then the parents need to give the child suggestions. It's best to let children lead the game and show parents how to play.
Encourage children to use toys in new and creative ways
It's great when children can assemble a LEGO racing car model or create Playdoh shapes according to instructions. And it's even more wonderful if children create a completely new model based on their imagination. At this time, parents need to encourage and praise the children's achievements. Only then will children constantly be creative and develop effective thinking.
How to encourage children to play pretend according to each age
Parents, please be ready to play pretend with your children with age-appropriate activities. This will help develop children's imagination.
Children from 0-24 months
At this stage, children cannot imagine themselves as dinosaurs, teachers or doctors. But your baby can still participate in social games and take on different roles.
For newborns, parents should talk and explore objects and the surrounding environment with their babies. When your child is 1 year old, start modeling actions and behaviors for your child to imitate.
Talk to your baby: Parents can imitate the sounds their baby makes or talk to them. Your baby can respond to you by crying out, moving his arms and legs, or smiling.
Encourage exploration: Parents give their babies toys and objects of many different colors, sizes, and shapes. This encourages children's observation and exploration.
Sing action songs: Parents sing to their babies and follow the lyrics of counting and exercise songs... This activity will make your baby excited and when they get older, they will respond with their parents.
Take turns: Parents play turn-taking games with their children such as taking turns styling hair, taking turns being a seller and a buyer...
Phone calls: Parents use toy phones to chat with members or friends and invite their children to play with them.
Children from 2-3 years old
2-year-old children's ability to play pretend has developed rapidly. However, parents still need to accompany and use ways to encourage children to play pretend.
Prepare clothes and props: Parents can help their children prepare props such as clothes, hats, gloves... so that children can engage in imaginative play. Add a mirror so your baby can enjoy looking at himself in his new outfit.
Create new scenarios: Parents can help their children practice new scenarios such as playing the role of a doctor examining a patient, pretending to be a bad friend and winning toys with them...
Organizing a doll tea party: This is also an interesting way to encourage children to play pretend. Parents use their baby's favorite dolls and familiar toys to create an interesting tea party. Children can pretend to serve drinks to parents and guests.
Create household items: For example, use a comb as a microphone, a toilet paper roll as binoculars...
Children from 3-5 years old
When your baby is 3 years old, pretend play begins to develop strongly. At this age, children's brains can come up with countless interesting imaginary stories. Children begin to explore new roles and situations without much help from their parents. What parents need to do is participate in the world of children's imagination.
Respond to games: When your baby says he's flying or walking through lava, don't correct him. Instead, be ready to join the game with your baby.
Role reversal: Children can invite their parents to play family games, but instead of being children, they can play the role of parents. And parents, don't forget to follow whatever your child asks.
Be a chef: Preschoolers can already help their parents with simple tasks such as breaking eggshells, putting ingredients in a bowl... So, parents let them help and play the role of talented chefs. .
Veterinary clinic: Children can play the role of a veterinarian to care for and examine stuffed animals. At this time, parents just need to be effective assistants, supporting "patients" who come for examination or following the doctor's orders.
Above are ways to encourage children to play pretend according to each age. Parents can apply it to help children develop their imagination from an early age. Besides, parents can use role-playing toys to increase their baby's excitement during each playtime. To choose educational role-playing toys at preferential prices, parents should visit the website of Mykingdom Toy Kingdom at: http://www.mykingdom.com.vn .
