Playing House

Watching children going about playing house evoke my own very nostalgic childhood memories.

Children are naturally curious and want to copy what adults do. They can't seem to wait to be all grown up. So, there is a lot of pretending and imaginative play. Role playing to emulate mommy and daddy is indeed a favourite game.

It is fun and sometimes hilarious as a silent audience watching the children determine who will play which role and how they decide on their household responsibilities.

Playing house keeps children occupied and teach them some life skills. They may learn about teamwork and problem solving as they go about with their make believe family life.

Parents can help children be more imaginative by allowing them to dress up in old 'adult' clothes, shoes and hats. They would look funny and adorable. Store these accessories in a trunk and the children will learn to return their costumes back into the trunk after play. I have a friend who keeps a little closet filled with little cloaks, shawls, dresses and even superhero capes for her children and their friends.

Little kitchen sets, plastic crockery, vacuum cleaner, washing machine, food processor and a whole lot of make believe gadgets are very affordable and children would love playing with them. My dad was very handy and he made a complete set of stainless steel kitchen stove with pots and pans for us to play house. I have always regretted that I did not ask for the set when I left home as after he passed on, I could not find it in the house.