How to Play Dress Up

Television commercials often show young children playing dress up, but they never explain why you should encourage the pretend play. Children who play dress up learn empathy by becoming aware of the many aspects involved in different jobs. For example, if a child is pretending to be a police officer you can urge him to direct traffic while explaining officers do more than arrest people. In addition to empathy, kids learn how to button and zip clothing and solve problems as they create imaginary scenes and situations.

Things You'll Need

  • Box
  • Clothes -- oversize dresses, pants, shirts, hats, sunglasses, jewelry, feather boas and shoes
  • Labels
  • Marker
  • Mirror
  • Nails
  • Hammer

Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a box or bag with large clothes. Include oversize dresses, pants, shirts, hats, sunglasses, jewelry, feather boas and shoes. Separate and specialize dress up gear by labeling the boxes "firefighter," "fairy," "construction worker," and "chef." Fill the boxes with clothes and accessories that match the label.

    • 2

      Hang a full-size mirror on the wall where children can look at their outfits. Kids will enjoy seeing how their clothing choices appear.

    • 3

      Direct kids to the dress up area. Let them know it is the area where they may change their clothes and become anything they wish.

    • 4

      Help small children undress and dress into the pretend clothes if they need it. Encourage them to mix and match clothes. Let older kids know it is alright to begin dressing in the play clothes.

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