If my daughter had to choose her career today, she would 100% choose working at a Toy Hospital with Doc McStuffins. The first show our daughter fell in love with. I know this because I watch her imaginative play, and she is constantly giving her stuffed animals (and baby sister) check-ups!
Why is it that toddlers get so obsessed with one show?
Does your kid watch the same show every time he’s given an opportunity, or am I the only one who is so lucky?
Five or six months of only Doc McStuffins, I began to actually enjoy the show in a I-hate-this-song-but-it’s-so-catchy-and-cute kind of way. It was literally the only show that was on our TV besides at naptime and bedtime.
We had a Doc McStuffins themed birthday party for Ella’s second birthday and at that point she had probably seen all four seasons at least three times.
Now, you may love that show, but some of you may hate it. For those people, go ahead and close your eyes and just scroll down to the bottom to the imaginative play section, because once the check-up song–or, well, any of the songs!–gets going, there is no getting it out of your head!
Of course, we naturally had to do a little Toy Hospital imaginative playing. Plus there are all kinds of cute doctor crafts online. (This was well before Baby #2 came along, so I had more time to explore crafting ideas. I’m also cheap, so I did all these crafts for a themed birthday party. Waste not!)
But first…
What Is Imaginative Play and What Do Kids Get Out of It?
A fantastic question, I’m so glad you asked! Imaginative play is any time a kid acts out a role in a story or in real life.
This type of play usually begins around age 2, then really takes off around age 3 and beyond!
You could also call it make-believe, pretend, role play, or dress-up.
Kids can make significant gains in these areas through imaginative play:
- language, both usage and vocabulary
- understanding and expressing feelings
- social skills, especially communicating
- problem-solving
- empathy
- responsibility and independence
- self-expression and self-confidence
Imaginative play, pretend games, or dress-up, (or whatever you want to call it!) is really easy to set up and lends itself well to independent play. Or your toddler might have so much fun, you can’t help but join in!
We typically will introduce new imaginative play set ups with a related book or watch a related show together. This helps my girl get a head start on vocabulary and be more comfortable playing independently.
I like working in a half hour of imaginative play into our schedule every day. We usually do it in Ella’s room, but lately she’s been playing alongside me as I work in the office.
The set above is featured on 5 Best Real-Life Kitchen and Food Toys for Pretend Kitchens. Cooking and eating in pretend play is an easy first role play if you’ve never done it with your little one.
Honestly, watching your little one make up dialogue and do “grown-up” stuff is the most adorable thing in the world!
I can’t wait for you to try it. Your heart will just burst!
How Does Imaginative Play Work?
OK, don’t overthink it. Most kids have great imaginations, and it’s easy to get started, especially if you pick something your kid is already interested in.
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Doc McStuffins Toy Hospital Care Cart // Doc McStuffins Doll
Just get a few props out (centered around a theme, such as firefighting or princess tea party), maybe read a book related to the theme, show how to use any tricky props, and play!
Here are a few books to check out:
Act out a story. Act out a real-life situation like getting a check-up from a doctor.
Get up and dress up with your toddler!
Jellycat Bashful Bunny // Toy Otoscope + More
It doesn’t have to be Oscar-worthy, just have fun and make memories. Let loose and giggle a little!
Your Turn! How to Set Up a Toy Hospital or Doctor Role Play
You really don’t need allllll this stuff to set up an engaging hospital role play, but I added as much as I could think of to give you options.
There are tons of ideas to DIY the supplies below (except a flashlight… who DIYs a flashlight anyway?), and I’ve got a post up to DIY a stethoscope, band-aids, and a couple special Doc McStuffins dress-up pieces! Check it out HERE.
Suggested Supplies
- Toy Stethoscope (DIY HERE; or buy a Doc set HERE)
- Thermometer
- Magnifying glass
- Flashlight
- Tongue depressor (or a popsicle stick–with or without the popsicle–your call)
- Measuring tape
- Band-aids (real or DIY out of felt)
- Sticky Ace wrap bandage
- Stuffed animals (find our Mr. Bunny HERE)
- Clipboard with paper and crayon (or DIY Book of Boo-Boos)
- Books about visiting the doctor
- White doctor’s jacket (blue trim HERE; purple trim HERE)
Instructions
- Introduce the concept by reading a book about going to see the doctor. Talk about how doctors and nurses help us feel better when we are sick.
- Put all the stuff out and name each thing.
- Say, “This ___ (bear/lion/unicorn/etc.) is sick. Can you help him/her feel better?”
- Let your child fix up the stuffed animal and explore the tools you set out. You may need to prompt and guide a little the first time. It’s OK. Have fun interacting and playing together!
- Later, supervise, but allow your child to role play however he would like.
Looking for an organized guide of fun, easy activities to do with your toddler that also encourages their growth and development?
I’ve created a 3-month activity planner just for busy parents like you! The plan includes 65 detailed, simple, and stress-free activities including: arts and crafts, sensory play, motor skills, and STEM–all using easy-to-find supplies.
Let me help make planning activities for your toddler easy, so you can skip the stress and get straight to the fun!
