What does your child actually want to play with? Give them five minutes of yours, and watch what happens.
Because a random piece of something doesn't come with instructions. It can be anything they can imagine. That's called pretend play.
When you play along like acting as their “customer or patient” your child isn't just pretending. They're learning to talk, take turns, and see the world through others' eyes, all because you showed up.
Buy them whatever you like. They'll still choose the game that gets you sitting on the floor with them.
At Golden Bells Early Years, we try to give children the same thing at school that they get at home. Someone beside them, learning together. Dress-up corners, open-ended toys, storytelling circles, pretend play areas - all built so a child is never imagining alone.
Next time your child hands you a pretend cup of tea, don't just glance over and smile. Sit down. Drink it. Ask for a refill.
Because no toy on any shelf can compete with you, actually there, actually playing.
