Role play with children: Curtain up for the imagination! Whether superhero, king or chef: children love role play. They get to know themselves in someone else's skin and discover skills and interests that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. How can you encourage these discoveries? How does your child find their favourite role and which ideas are particularly popular at the moment? We provide an overview.
What is role play? Role play is the epitome of a child's imagination. When your children slip into a costume or play with a doctor's case, hairdressing head or toy ice-cream stand, they are imitating the adult world on the one hand. On the other hand, they make up their own rules, come up with solutions, experiment and create a reality that they like. Role-playing games are one of the best ways to shape personality and character - and perhaps develop a lifelong passion along the way.
The variety of role-playing gamesIt's true that children always slip into a role when playing. But you can reinforce the positive effects with role-play sets from different themed worlds. Motor skills and inventiveness are trained in a play kitchen or at the workbench, while social skills, emotional intelligence and organisational talent are at the forefront in the shop or at the toy ice cream stand. Power tools or household appliances in toy format create a desire to do things and introduce children to the tasks of the adult world. Your child wants one thing above all else: to be like you. Your job or your hobbies are usually the origin of the desire for a particular toy. That's a good thing! This strengthens your bond and gives your child a starting point for developing their own interests.
Great theatre for the whole familyYou're never too old for fantasy and family fun. That's why role-playing games are actually a gift for everyone! When you play cooking, baking, repairing or hairdressing together, it's often amazing what the little ones come up with - even you can still learn something! So let your child take the helm, follow their instincts and look forward to discovering completely new sides to you and your family. Because who knows: you might suddenly recognise a new role yourself that you would like to slip into.
