Toddler Playtime

Three Ways to Encourage Fantasy Play

Toddlers have no shortage of imagination! Here's how to leverage their love of make believe.

toddler playtime tips

Is your toddler cooking up meals with pretend pots and pans? Treating her dolls to baths and bedtime stories? Or engaging in games of teddy-bear hospital? Fantasy play is a rich and rewarding activity that helps toddlers practice all kinds of new skills. By talking to and interacting with their stuffed animals, dolls, and toys, children strengthen their verbal and social skills; by devising their own plots (what happens next?) children practice problem-solving. Pretend play also gives little ones a chance to sample the adult world ("Bye, Mom…I'm going to work!"), work through their fears ("I'm a doctor…and this shot won't hurt a bit!"), and beat boredom (give them a few simple props…and the sky's the limit!). Luckily, pretend play comes naturally to children, but parents can help nurture it by trying the following:

  1. Be a cheerleader. Applaud your child's efforts to use her imagination just as you would cheer on her intellectual achievements (like reciting her ABCs). If she's holding a tea party for her stuffed animals (and you're invited!), praise her as being the hostess with the most-est ("Wow, you've thought of everything! And this tea tastes delicious!"). 
  2. Supply the props. Offer your child open-ended toys that fuel the imagination like dress-up items (including handbags, shoes, and hats), a doctor's kit, toy laptop, cash register, shopping cart, tool chest, etc. And don't underestimate the power (and fun!) of regular household items. If your child wants to turn a broomstick into a galloping horse, a colander into a space helmet, or an empty paper-towel roll into a telescope, encourage it!  
  3. Stay on the sidelines. When it comes to fantasy play, it's best to take a backseat and let your little one do the driving. Let your child guide the game and resist the urge to interfere or hover, unless you're asked to play a supporting role. (Your little stylist will love it if you offer your tresses for a pretend haircut or your toes for a pedicure!)

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