Families spend a great deal of their time in the kitchen, so it should be no surprise that the play kitchen is one of the most popular pretend play toys. The play kitchen's magic is that it allows children to explore their creativity through play while in a familiar setting. They can engage in role-play as chefs, waiters, customers, or even parents and babies at home! And play kitchens are not just a fun and engaging activity, they also help with your child's development in a number of ways.
Pretend play and development
Among the many benefits of imaginative play is improving language and communication. Role-playing helps kids express themselves and be creative in their storytelling. And playing and communicating with others enhances social development as well. In a play kitchen, children also learn basic life skills concepts such as cooking, cleaning, and nurturing others through meal preparation and sharing food.
Many types of play kitchens
Play kitchens come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and themes. Take the LeapFrog Smart Sizzlin' BBQ Grill: your child can place the food pieces on the skewer and listen as the toy recognizes and calls out the food and its color. Turn the number dial to learn numbers, and hear if the grill is set too hot, or open and close the grill lid and listen to cooking sounds. The BBQ grill helps your child with motor skills, numeracy, and visual recognition. And the Plan Toys Play Food Discs help your child learn to make healthy food choices.
Toycycle's online kids' consignment shop stocks a great selection of gently-used pretend-play toys that can aid in your child's development. And remember, the most eco-friendly toy is the one that keeps getting played with, over and over again. So do the earth a favor. Shop secondhand. And enjoy great savings too!