Role play is important for children’s development. As well as being a great way to encourage imaginative play and allow children to be creative, it’s also great for developing social and communication skills. By acting out different scenarios, both alone and with friends, kids are able to practice speaking and listening, improving their language and comprehension skills. Playing with others also helps introduce them to sharing and teamwork, offering them the chance to play with those who have different perspectives and experiences. This helps them to gain vital skills such as co-operation, empathy, and responsibility. Social development is very important, as it sets the foundations for future interactions as they get older and start school. 

Children learn by copying the adults around them. Role play toys – such as kitchen sets and pretend supermarket tills – allow them to pretend to be mum and dad. Playing with such toys also allows them to make sense of their environment and day to day life. Kids can also learn how to effectively problem solve, experiment and explore while acting out transactions, cooking, building or more. 

As well as mental benefits, the process of acting out various scenarios can help develop physicality and confidence in movement too! Kids will develop their gross and fine motor skills by pretending to vacuum, cut veggies and use play tools. They will grow more confident with standing and moving – and because it’s fun, they won’t even realise they’re doing it! Role play is great for both mental and physical freedom, giving kids the chance to make the world what they want it to be. 

Leading baby and nursery wholesaler, Baby Brands Direct, have a wide range of role play toys available for independent retailers, nurseries and preschools to buy. We offer big-ticket items, such as Janod’s play kitchens, workbenches and shops, as well as smaller playsets and activity toys from brands such as Fisher-Price and LeapFrog. Check out the range on our website now!