Toddlers are little sponges taking in all the information around them. They are also little parrots, parroting what we say, whether it’s appropriate or not! So it’s at this time in their lives when it’s really important not to say things you don’t want repeated and also time to watch your behavior. My kids are fascinated by the shower but I am careful not to show them my razor, as I don’t want them exploring those things without me.
As they take in all this information, they should start demonstrating the skills they are learning through pretend play (also known as imaginative play or make believe). My twins will often grab a toy phone and say “Hi Mommy Daddy”. They also like to mix with my real whisk when they see it lying in the draw. All the cute things kids do to amaze and thrill their parents 
YUMMY apple!
According to What To Expect When Expecting pretend play can be really good for improving language skills, creating empathy, problem solving and developing courage. Pretend play also shows that they are mastering their environment.
We recently took a trip out and the boys got to play in a store. They loaded up the cart with various food stuff. Mason just loaded up on bread and cheese, which made me think he was definitely being influenced by the Parisians 
My French Son!
Anyway, Cameron was behind the register and they really did a great job of playing shop – Mason handed over the product and Cameron was very enthusiastic about scanning the breads and cheeses before handing them back to his brother. No money was exchanged they must have missed that step (damn they aren’t going to make it into Harvard!!)
So encourage pretend play with your children, by setting the stage and providing some props. Set some time aside and pretend to visit the doctors, go shopping, clean the house or go on the ultimate adventure in that cardboard box they are using as a car! As silly as you may feel, just remember this can help them learn to empathize with others, can help them problem solve, develop courage and improve those language skills!
This is such a great series of photos! Such a pity that sort of thing was not around when you were young.
Pretend play is a fabulous way to teach just about anything! Where were you that offered that play store? That is wonderful!
Marcia – I was at Phipps Conservatory – perfect for a rainy day, because you still feel like you are outside wondering through all the plants and then enjoying this little play zone.
Do you remember the year we got our dolls, I think they were called ‘Baby Angels’ if you fed them with a bottle they’d pee. Little granny knitted us blankets for our new cots we got that Christmas too, we enjoyed playing “Mummy”. One of my favourite’s was playing “School” with you. You use to HATE playing pretend “School” with me! It might of cause be because I always wanted to be the teacher and always made you my pupil. I use to wear Mummy’s high heals and walk around with a wooden spoon and pretend it was my ruler. When I was a nanny in London, I use to play “Cinema Cinema” with the kids. 1st we’d choose a dvd to watch, then i would help the children make their tickets to sell, and i’d get some 1p and2p coins for change. We’d close the shutters/curtains so it was nice and dark, just like a real Cinema. Then we’d get the torch out to show the people to their seats, and of course we’d have to have a treat to eat while watching the film. This was a firm favourite for Hadley and Branner when they were younger.
Sista – love these memories!!! You were always so strict! The movie idea sounds fantastic. You are very creative. Love you
Also fun to act out the nursery rhymes. Little Miss (Mr.)Muffet, Humpty Dumpty, Three Little Kittens, and later Billy Goats gruff, The Three Little Pigs, Goldillocks etc…
Great French pics.
Can’t wait to do this – great idea!
I had a couple imaginary friends as a kid. It’s probably a bit similar:)
Definitely! I think this would have been very fun
I love this! We were at a kids’ museum recently that had a pretend grocery store and my 2.5-year-old just LOVED it. It has encouraged me to set up more pretend play situations for him at home. Thanks for sharing!
I’m a huge fan of pretend play. And love the shopping cart/food idea! So adorable.
Excellent idea. Love the pics. Keep up the good work.
I miss those days of toddler play…my son was always pretending to be Bob the Builder. He made me smile. Teenagers’ play isn’t nearly as cute
Pretend play is fantastic! I think I told you my Ellie had some developmental issues. Her inability to do pretend play was our big clue. She could repeat what we showed her, but she couldn’t advance the play on her own. Pretend play is a HUGE developmental milestone. Enjoy this season!!!
Pretending is a wonderful thing! My 18 month old is just starting to really use her imagination. It’s really fun to watch her and my 3 year old play together. Tea parties are a huge hit right now and it’s so much fun to watch them! =)
I have always encouraged my boys to pretend and imagine. We made up stories as we drove in the car, waited at the doctor’s office, and sat on planes. To this day I am amazed and please by the imagination that they display.
Signs of a great mom! Good job!
I think I said above that I always did pretend play. I think it gave me all of my ideas I get.
I loved pretend playing when I was younger. I love getting my youngest son to help me at the grocery store. To keep him occupied in the cart, I will hand him things that aren’t breakable or easily damaged and let him toss them into the cart. Sometimes I even let him have a cookie from the bakery if he was a great helper.
I love pretend play–I guess I’m still just a little kids at heart, plus in pretend play you don’t have to pay for your Dr. Visits, Bread and Cheese =) THAT’S the part that is NO FUN!! LOL
The last shot is super cute =^D