Encouraging Pretend Play What To Do When a Baby Cries Book Look Encouraging Pretend Play Everyone comes into the world with the wondrous capacity to imagine. During their second year, children begin to act out their imaginings in spontaneous, dramatic play. Toddlers' earliest pretend play themes reflect their home life, especially the care and nurturing of babies or animals.
Actions range from feeding, washing and dressing to scolding and cuddling.
At first, young children imitate the adults who are closest to them. They pretend to clean, cook, talk on the phone and drive cars. As language and understanding increase, the actions that children copy become more detailed. They imitate your calls, complete with intonations and snatches of overheard conversations. As children approach the age of three, their play themes include more experiences outside the home.