Have you ever noticed your child repeating the same playtime activities over and over again?
Children use play as a tool to explore their environment and learn how things in their world work.They often do this by repeating the same stories in play.For example, when given a choice your child may want to play “house” every day. Often, children want to play the same roles or act out the story each time. While, playing “house” everyday may seem boring to you as an adult, this repetition is important for your child’s development. This is a way for your child to recreate and better understand their experiences and different social roles (i.e. what a “mommy,” “daddy,” and/or “child” does and thinks).
Moreover, as the parent, you can take an active role in helping your child practice playing different roles. This will help your child practice thinking from different points of view. Your child’s ability to see and understand another’s perspective is valuable and will encourage them to begin to think of multiple points of view and promote empathy. As well, it will allow them to practice and explore negotiating tactics that are fundamental in helping your child get along with siblings and peers. Try to switch things up this week and offer to play different characters. Even if you are told to play the “sister,” role you could potentially be a sister from a story your child has read or perhaps one that is happy-go-lucky and then another that is sad and wants help cheering up.
Let us know how it goes!