# Why kids love wearing your shoes

> When your child tries on your shoes, they're developing crucial thinking skills through symbolic play.
- Title: Why kids love wearing your shoes · Psychologies | Shortify
- Summary: When your child tries on your shoes, they're developing crucial thinking skills through symbolic play. Symbolic play helps children understand the world by…
- Keywords: child development, symbolic play, role-playing, imagination, parenting, cognitive development, early childhood, play-based learning, parent engagement, mental development, kids, love
- Source: Psychologies — https://psychologies.com/famille/enfants/Votre-enfant-adore-enfiler-vos-chaussures-Derriere-ce-jeu-se-passe-quelque-chose-de-bien-plus-important-quon-ne-limagine-638569
- Author: Andréa Lepage
- Published: 2026-09-17T07:02:41+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: child development, symbolic play, role-playing, imagination, parenting, cognitive development, early childhood, play-based learning, parent engagement, mental development
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Symbolic play helps children understand the world by role-playing real situations, and parental encouragement makes it even more powerful.