16mo–2.2y10 minFree playFamily timeSelf-care
Pretend Play, Real Confidence
A playful pretend routine where you models simple ‘everyday’ pretend (feeding, drinking, washing hands) so your child can copy, take turns, make choices, and build confidence in trying things independently.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a soft toy or doll (or any favourite toy figure)
- a small cup and spoon (plastic/child-safe)
- a small empty bowl or plate
Nice to have
- a small cloth or tissue (for pretend wiping)
- a toy phone or a safe household item to ‘pretend phone’ (supervised)
- a child-safe mirror (optional for pretend faces)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneSimple pretend playMind· 14mo–2.2y· stretch· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneReenacts household routines in playMind· 16mo–3y· stretch· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· stretch
What it practices
- Holds cup with both hands and drinks without much spilling.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Willing to try new food textures and tastes.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Develops own likes and dislikes in food and drink.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows some awareness of bladder and bowel urges.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Clearly communicates wet or soiled nappy or pants.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Model pretend play.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)