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When do kids do imaginary playtime?

When do kids start to get imagination and play with things like tea sets,kitchen sets, barbies or figurines? My 14 month old still chews on the fake food like she is really trying to eat it, LOL and the tea cups she puts to her mouth and then tosses them and throws her hands up like “all gone” and the kitchen set she just likes to open the doors and put stuff inside and then close the door. I was just wondering when kids actually enjoy these toys, thanks everyone!

I have 3 kids under 5. A 4 yr old boy and a set of twins (boy and girl) aged 2 yrs 3 months.

I think you will find that every child develops at a different rate, but the imaginary play comes in around the 2 yr old level. Our twins are just starting to get into the whole aspect of playing with tea sets and such toys.

At the age your child is now, they are far more interested in chewing on things and generally being tactile, that is, they like to explore things through their senses. Their little brains are developing and so their main concern is making sure they’re dry, full and content… anything else is a sensory bonus. It sounds like she is having fun just opening and closing the door of the kitchen and putting things in and out. This is a good sign that she is learning the purpose. Open/close, in/out.

Might I suggest you spend time with her, getting her dolls to join in a ‘tea party’… Figurines and Barbies don’t really come into play until about 4 or 5. We have the chewed fake food everywhere here. Apparently it must taste pretty good. LOL.

At the younger ages, I have found toys like blocks and anything colourful and noisy, with different textures a great learning tool. The more time you spend with her experimenting with different items and teaching her the colours, etc., the more she is picking up. Between now and the age of 4 her brain is going to absorb so much detail that the amount of attention you can give to her is critical in her development.

It’s also a great way to bond with your child and that will be a blessing to you down the track, trust me on that one.

Make sure you get her age appropriate toys – most toys as far as I know, have an age limit on the boxes, so you can choose from within those items to find the right ones.

The Fisher Price ‘Little People’ range is the absolute best value for money toys we have invested in. All 3 young ones play with them – but your little one will need to be older I think… at least 18 months. However, if you see these items on special in a store, you should buy them and put them away for Christmas and birthday gifts. Later on, the little add on packs are a great reward/treat once you begin behaviour management.

I hope this has been helpful for you. Don’t worry too much yet about her imagination – pretty soon, she’ll be up and around, dancing to Dora the Explorer and saying “Hola!” and “Buenos Noches” before you know it.

Have fun – and don’t forget, she might have just as much fun playing with your Tupperware or a big cardboard box than with any toy at this age!!

Cheers!

coble kids 2nd annverisy

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