Toy suggestions for 3 – 4 year olds

Why your child will enjoy this toy now:

Toys with realistic parts give your child something to talk about and to play-act with, helping initiate early attempts at social interaction. Your child is also at a prime age for wanting to know more and translating what she learns into realism as she plays.

 Dora's Kitchen Set                                                       Medical Kit

What you can do to help your child learn more:

Perhaps your child has a play kitchen. Ask her: "What will you make for lunch?" "What will you put into your soup?" "Do you have to go grocery shopping first?" She's interested in the details, so help her pretend to measure, mix and pour.

If your child's interested in a particular occupation or theme, feed her curiosity with details to answer those "what" and "why" questions, preparing her for richer, more creative play. Visit the library for books on the topic of interest. Go online and research together. Attend a shows or demonstrations at local grocery stores, home and garden centers, or fair grounds.

When you and your child put your imaginations together, you'll be amazed at how much more realistic and fun your play will become. If your toy is a medical kit, designate an area of your house as the doctor's office or hospital. Make a sign for the door, "The doctor is in." Gather willing patients (dolls and stuffed animals are always in need of a check-up). Put magazines and a chair in your waiting room, and a play phone for the receptionist. Locate a little tablet of paper so your "doctor" can write prescriptions.

If your child needs a few play prompts to get the idea, be the receptionist or nurse and suggest "problems" for her to solve. "Mrs. Johnson isn't feeling well. Can you see her right away?"

Take turns being doctor and patient with your child, and listen carefully to what she says in each role. You'll gain new insight, and she'll gain new confidence!

Point things out on a real trip to the doctor's office—the stethoscope, the otoscope, the blood pressure cuff. When you get home, you can use your child's toy medical kit to further explain what the instruments are used for.