Do This Fun Halloween Activity With Your Toddler

Use your child’s Halloween costume as inspiration for this fun activity. This activity is meant for 2–3-year-old’s as they are just beginning to engage in longer sequences of pretend play.

Ask your little one if he wants to play make-believe with you. He will decide what the scenario is and assist “directing” it. You can help him get into his costume and give him different props or ideas to help get him started. You can ask if he wants to assign you a certain role in his make-believe world so you can play together or he can play on his own.

Then let the ‘drama’ unfold! Watching how he plays pretend can give you insight into what he is feeling, or what he remembers from recent experiences. You play an important role in seeding the ideas for his play. Consider offering suggestions as you play along. Two-year-old’s sometimes need help expanding their play. For example, if a child is pretending to make soup but hasn’t through of what to do next, make the suggestion that he pour you some soup in an imaginary bowl, so he can taste it. He may want to repeat the same thing over and over or may weave in something new and that’s okay. At age 3, your child is still figuring out his place in the world. Role playing through dress up helps your child understand role identity. He will practice taking on different roles as he plays, which helps him develop empathy, understanding another person’s feelings and point of view. Look for your child to play for longer periods of time and to spontaneously build upon the themes of playmates. Go with it and have fun!

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