Why pretend play is serious business

When your toddler serves you invisible tea, something big is happening.

Language explodes

Pretend play is full of new words: ladle, stethoscope, customer. Children practise sentences they'd never use otherwise.

Empathy grows

Looking after a sick teddy is practice for understanding how other people feel.

How to join in

Follow their lead. Ask questions in character: "Doctor, is it serious?" Then let them decide the plot.

Start simple

A few props go a long way. A kitchen set or a doctor kit, plus a box of old clothes, is enough for years of stories.