/** * https://gist.github.com/samthor/64b114e4a4f539915a95b91ffd340acc */ (function() { var check = document.createElement('script'); if (!('noModule' in check) && 'onbeforeload' in check) { var = false; document.addEventListener('beforeload', function(e) { if (e.target === check) { = true; } else if (!e.target.hasAttribute('nomodule') || !) { return; } e.preventDefault(); }, true); check.type = 'module'; check.src = '.'; document.head.appendChild(check); check.remove(); } }());

Doctor pretend play with preschoolers

Playing doctors and patients is a common role play enjoyed by toddlers and preschoolers. It can help them to build their imagination and to help them make sense of the world around them.

They'll often love it if you get involved in role plays and it's a great opportunity to get them to act out and use language they've heard from others.

Check out how one mum and daughter play pretend in the video below.

What are the benefits of doctor pretend play for toddlers?

  • Pretend play allows children to use vocabulary they might not use in their everyday life.
  • Role play helps children with their social and emotional development as they put themselves in someone else's shoes.
  • Engaging in pretend play with other children or adults helps him learn the importance of taking turns.
  • Role play can help children to make sense of situations they've experienced in their lives.
  • Roleplaying doctors can help children to feel reassured about seeing doctors and dentists in real life.
A little girl wrapping a tea towel around her mum's wrist.
Give children time to respond to your questions and let them lead when you can.

Ideas for doctor role play with kids

If you're the patient, like the mum in the video, try initiating play by saying what's wrong, for example, 'it hurts here'.

Take your child's lead on what to say based on how they respond - for example, they might want to listen to your heartbeat or maybe they'll go straight to a diagnosis!

Respond to what they say by repeating it back to them, so if they say 'you've got a bug', you might say 'I've got a bug">