Baby Doll Play & Empathy
Let’s talk baby doll play! Chances are you have your own memories of playing with dolls when you were a child. This practice transcends time and place, and for good reason! Baby doll play can help teach young children empathy and how to care for others. It also allows for role playing. It’s always made me smile watching a one- or two-year-old caring for their baby doll when they’re still a baby themself! Here are a few reasons children are drawn to this type of play.
1. It’s normal for young children to mimic behaviors they see modeled for them. So when they see parents and caregivers feed, dress, bathe and soothe them over and over again, they become curious and want to try those actions out themselves.
2. It’s likely that they experience adults having more decision-making power and authority, so when they are playing caregiver they get to experience a little bit more autonomy.
Encourage Empathy
If you’re looking to promote this kind of play with your kiddos or practice perspective taking and empathy building, try these activities:
Dressing the baby
Feeding the baby
Changing its diaper
Pushing it in a stroller
Giving it a bath
Putting it to bed
Below are some products we like that encourage the above!
