Pretend Play Made Simple
7 Easy Ways to Support Your Toddler's Imagination (Even if It Feels Awkward at First)
Pretend Play Can Feel a Little Ridiculous
One minute your kid is stirring rocks like soup. The next, they’re crawling on all fours, calling you Grandma and meowing like a cat. From the outside, it’s chaos. It’s funny. But underneath the silliness, something really special is happening.
They’re learning how the world works and how they belong in it.
Pretend play is one of the most powerful ways kids build language, creativity, emotional insight, and connection. So let’s break it down: the stages, the science, and the “what do I even do with this?” moments. Here’s to some practical tips and a little Bluey-style wonder along the way.
Last week, we talked about how pretend play builds communication, but that’s just the beginning.
Whether your child is giving their teddy a check-up or shouting “Firefighter!” while wielding a spoon, they’re rehearsing life. Pretend play lays the foundation for deeper learning (without a worksheet).
Here’s what they’re practicing:
Exploring roles and relationships
Making sense of routines and emotions
Practicing language and sequencing
Learning to collaborate and imagine
So how do we support all of this learning?
We start by meeting them where they are.
Pretend play grows in stages just like walking or talking. Your child might not jump into full-blown storylines or costume changes right away, and they don’t have to.
When we meet them at their current stage of play, we’re saying: I see you. I’m with you. Let’s build from here.
Meet Them Where They Are (No Costume Required)
At Elevate Toddler Play, one of the phrases you’ll hear us repeat often is “meet your child where they are.” That doesn’t mean we dumb things down. It means we tune in. Now, what does that look like?
Observe First
What’s your child drawn to right now? Blocks? Dinosaurs? Mixing every toy into a “cake”? That’s your entry point.
Match Their Play
If they’re pretending to cook, you cook too. If they’re roaring like a dinosaur, you roar back. This shared language of play builds trust.
Notice Their Stage
Are they imitating real-life actions or inventing wild, new worlds? Knowing their play stage helps you join in with confidence.
Stretch it Gently
Once you’re connected, you can nudge the play forward by adding a storyline, a new word, or a twist they hadn’t thought of. Think of it like dancing. Let them lead, and when they’re ready, introduce a new step.
For a little inspiration, watch Bluey’s “Grannies” episode where Bandit and Chilli go all in on Rita and Janet’s antics. It’s playful, ridiculous, and deeply connecting. That’s the heart of it.
The Stages of Pretend Play (and Why They Matter)
Alright, if you’re a parent, you may not have spent much time thinking about the stages of pretend play, but I’ve got a pretty good idea you’ve definitely wondered, Is this normal? Is my child on track? What am I supposed to be looking for?
If that’s you, this is for you.
Pretend play unfolds in beautiful, sometimes messy stages. Kids can loop through stages depending on the day (or the snack), but here’s what to look for:
Self Pretend (12–18 months)
These are baby’s first steps into imagination. At this stage, children pretend to drink from an empty cup or nap on the floor. They’re learning the difference between what’s real and what’s imaginary.Simple Pretend (18–24 months)
Here, objects take on roles. For example, they may feed a doll or pretend a banana is a phone. They’re starting to understand how objects can represent something else.Familiar Actions (2–2.5 years)
Play mirrors everyday routines. They may put a baby to bed, make dinner, set up a picnic. These mini sequences mimic the routines they observe in their daily life.Less Familiar Actions (2.5–3 years)
Imagination blossoms. At this stage, children use pretend props (or none at all) and blend ideas from books, shows, and real life into something new. They use their knowledge of previous experiences to create less familiar scenarios.Role Play (3–5 years)
Welcome to the big leagues. This is where children become characters, build storylines, and invent entire worlds. This stage is very language-driven, and very Bluey.
7 Ways to Support Pretend Play (Without Making It a Chore)
Ready to join the fun? These ideas are flexible, developmentally grounded, and full of joy.
Get on their level
Literally. Sit on the floor, make eye contact, be present. This says, “I’m with you in the world.”Model pretend actions
Sip invisible tea. Tuck in a stuffed teddy bear. Say, “Mmm, this soup is spicy!” Your energy fuels their imagination.Imitate them
If they feed a baby doll, feed one too. Mirroring their actions builds trust and momentum.Add a playful twist
Once they’re engaged, expand the story! “Should we give the baby a check-up next?” Or, “Oh no, the soup spilled! What now?”Follow their interests
Dinosaurs? Construction trucks? Let that lead the way. It doesn’t have to be anything new, it just needs to be them.Use open-ended toys
Scarves, boxes, blocks, think of items with infinite possibilities. At this point, I’m pretty sure a cardboard box has played more roles than any Oscar winner.Introduce mini storylines
Try a prompt like, “Let’s pretend the dog got lost. How can we help him get home?” Story arcs support problem-solving and sequencing.
What If My Kid Isn’t Into Pretend Play?
Totally normal. Some kids need more time. Others prefer physical or structured play. That’s okay! Here’s how to ease in:
Start with what they already love (like building towers), and add a simple pretend layer: “Let’s make a garage for the cars!”
Offer one prop and one idea. Keep it simple.
Avoid over-correcting or directing too much. Let them lead.
Remember, there’s really no “right” way to play.
A Kind Reminder:
Pretend play might look like nonsense. But it’s actually your child’s way of making sense. Of themselves. Of others and of this big, beautiful world.
It doesn’t take perfect timing or special props. Just your presence. Just a little yes.
So the next time they hand you a block and call it “birthday cake,” go with it. Make a wish. Blow out the candles.
I hope your wish comes true.
You’re not just playing pretend anymore.
You’re right there in the real thing.
Thanks for reading.
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As a thank-you, use code LETSPLAY for 10% off our Play Guide. It’s designed to make play easier, more meaningful, and fun for you and your family.
For our paid subscribers, we put together a PDF of the stages to help you support your child right where they are + a Pretend Play Cheat Sheet. Thanks for being here! We hope so much it’s helpful.