Take a look
at the Parents.com site, they give some really good tips and ideas for pretend
play ideas that don't even have to cost you anything;
http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/intellectual/lets-play-pretend/
All kids are
different and even when guidelines for 'normal development' are given, it
doesn't mean you should panic if your child isn't meeting those milestones. If
your child can generally play with other kids, even if it's more side by side
playing than teamwork, then I wouldn't worry too much.
If you are concerned, you can always consult
your doctor for reassurance
I really disagree. I think our kids today have become too fixated on quick fix electronic games, computers, gadgets etc and I don't really count that as play. In terms of learning, the academic demands on our kids time has increased dramatically over the last 2 decades, so it seems like we are stuck between 2 extremes and I think we need to reclaim some middle ground, where kids re-learn how to enjoy creative play that doesn't involve electricity.
It's a
lovely idea. Walmart do a lovely colorful set that's around $21.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Make-Your-Own-Puppets-Kit/11035967
If you
don't' want to spend much you can always look on the internet for ideas about
making your own from scratch.
You can use
a cheap felt material and then either a glue gun or stapler to stick the 2
sides once you cut it out of a template. Your kids can have fun sticking
decorations on the puppets or using fabric pens to decorate them.
Take a look
at the Simple Kids website. I really like her ideas that come with photos for
role play type games with the kids, without having to spend a lot.
http://simplekids.net/creative-pretend-play-props-and-ideas/
You are
right - it's a great pretend play tool. You can buy a cash register and then
some plastic pretend foods and set up a mini shop or restaurant at home. Not
only is it great for their imagination but also good for learning to count money
etc.
Amazon stock
the one we bought for around $26, take a look;
There is no fixed answer to your question. Basically anything that your child finds interesting ie cooking, building, doctors etc can be used as a spring board for parallel play. Don't worry if you don't have any specific toys set aside for this, you can use household items ie take a whisk a bowl and an apron and give them to your son to play with. He will have a great time.
You are
totally right. Pretend play doesn't need a big spending spree to make it fun.
Kids just love using household items for their games. It makes them feel big
and grown up. Here are some examples;
Boxes ie
cardboard
Dressing up
clothes - old shoes, hats and scarves
Blankets and
bottles
Kitchen
equipment
Take a look
at this good article from the Better Kid Care site.
http://www.betterkidcare.psu.edu/TIPS/TIPS46.pdf
it even gives some good tips for using basic household items
to help promote pretend play.
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