Dress Up and Pretend

© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.

Pretend play helps your child develop in many ways. For example, when your child pulls out an old set of keys from the dress-up box and suddenly starts pretend “driving” to the grocery store just like Daddy, it can help him feel more independent and connected to his world and the important people in it.

• Fill a box with clothing, accessories, and objects that will remind him of different family members and friends. For example, a fire helmet like Uncle Juan’s or a blue scarf like his cousin Adrianna’s. Make sure to place the box in a location where your child can pull it out on his own.

• Talk about an event from the day. Then ask your child to act out the event while using items from the box. For example, Josh made waffles and eggs for breakfast. Can you pretend to make breakfast like your brother did? (prop ideas: apron, cardboard box as a play skillet, plastic food, etc.)

If your child is engrossed in his pretend play, step back and let him take charge of the play. Talk about the objects you are both using (or pretending to use) and the people you are pretending to be. What are they doing? Where are they going?