From Psychologies · Andréa Lepage · · 1m 20s
Why kids love wearing your shoes
When your child tries on your shoes, they're developing crucial thinking skills through symbolic play.
In brief
When your child tries on your shoes, they're developing crucial thinking skills through symbolic play. Symbolic play helps children understand the world by role-playing real situations, and parental encouragement makes it even more powerful. Originally reported by Psychologies.
The shoe-wearing mystery
Your child keeps slipping on your shoes, heels, and slippers. This isn't just cute play. It's a window into how they're learning to understand the world.
What is symbolic play
Around 12 to 18 months, children discover symbolic play, also called role-playing or pretend play. A spoon becomes an airplane. Your shoes make them become you.
Building essential skills
Through symbolic play, children develop communication, reasoning, perception, attention, memory, and decision-making abilities. These skills are vital for their growth.
“Le jeu symbolique aide l'enfant à se libérer des contraintes de l'accommodation au réel”
Understanding real situations
By acting out real-world scenarios through play, children learn how to navigate daily situations. They practice being adults and understanding different perspectives.
Parent encouragement matters
A January 2024 study of 99 mothers found that when parents engage with and verbalize their child's mental world, symbolic play becomes more complex and sophisticated.
How to support symbolic play
Show interest in your child's pretend world. Ask questions about their imaginary scenarios. This helps them create more detailed stories and develop stronger thinking skills.
The main idea
Symbolic play helps children understand the world by role-playing real situations, and parental encouragement makes it even more powerful.
