How role play contributes to your child's well-being

Every child engages in role play with toys, which allows them to create a life-like fantasy world and simulate grown-up life. Here's why that's so important.
Children have an uncanny ability to cast themselves as characters in unlikely situations. How many little girls love to play a princess or mermaid? How many boys become astronauts or modern-day adventurers?

This activity stimulates toddler's imagination. Imitating adults and playing different roles encourages children to envision themselves in the world of their parents. Parents also enjoy participating in role play and it allows them to discover unknown facets of their child’s personality. Here's what you need to know about this popular pastime.

Make-believe and pretend play toys are often designed and marketed by gender. Although it’s challenging to find role-play games and toys that are inherently gender-neutral, lots of games are suitable for both boys and girls.

For girls, the most popular role play toys and sets include a fully equipped kitchen and a beauty centre or hair salon.

Boys may be more inclined to play games at construction sites, or in a handy-man or mechanic’s workshop.

Gender-neutral games include playing grocery store and working the cash register, playing with a doctor's medical kit or opening a veterinary clinic.

No matter what games you choose, your objective is to find ways to stimulate your child’s imagination and growing sense of independence.Kids have a lot of fun emulating the adults they admire. Even for just a few minutes, they love to get to be grown-ups with important duties and responsibilities.

Aside from stimulating their vivid imagination, fantasy and role play games help develop other skills and abilities. Toddlers enhance fine motor skills by finding ways to manipulate the parts and pieces included in their games. For older kids, role playing encourages cooperation and communication skills.

Patience may be required when introducing children to role play games and sets. Some children take longer to adapt to new activities than others, but with determination they will succeed.

Imitation toys and role play develop a sense of responsibility and conscientiousness in children. Whether playing veterinarian or mechanic, the child learns to treat animals with care and be thorough in their repairs.

Experts agree that role play is an important part of a child’s cognitive development and that fostering awareness and social responsibility is essential to their socialization.

You never know, they may find their true calling or future passion in the game room, and will thank you for inspiring them from a young age!