Pretend play is a great way to develop your child鈥檚 imagination and start conversations whether you鈥檙e at home or on the go. There's no limit to the games you can play with them, from pretending to be animals, to acting out every day situations.
The benefits of pretend play
Pretend play helps with language development as your child gets to hear words they don't always hear
It encourages children to use their imagination
It helps them make sense of the world, as they put into practice the situations they've experienced elsewhere, for example feeding dolls or brushing teeth.
Image caption, Try pretend play while you're out and about.
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How to encourage pretend play with your little one
You can help fire your little one鈥檚 imagination and encourage them to talk by:
Using props like toys or household items. For example, you could use a plate like a steering wheel and play driving games to spark conversation
Following their lead and copying them - they're more likely to stay engaged if you meet them doing what they want to do
Taking turns. For example, if you're making a pretend call, you can pass them the 'phone' by putting your hand to their ear. Try saying 'my turn' and naming them as you tell them it's their turn
Encouraging your child 鈥 this can build confidence to communicate what they're doing as they play
Asking very simple questions like 'do you want to speak to Nana' and describing what鈥檚 happening as you go
Pretend play ideas
Telephone
Pretend to call a family member or a friend. Your child can learn basic greetings such as a 鈥榟ello鈥 and goodbye. You can use your hand as phone or even a banana
Tea parties
Gather some of your child's favourite toys and teddies and pretend to have a tea party. Have conversations with the toys, serve them tea and get your little one to chip in.
Race cars
A fun way to get your child鈥檚 adrenaline pumping! You can use a plastic bowl as a helmet and a plate as a steering wheel.
