Caring for My Make Believe Pet
Here's What To Do
1
Ask your child to pick an animal they'd like to pretend to be. They'll pretend to be the pet and you'll be the owner.
2
Ask your child what kinds of things they think their animal needs to stay happy and healthy.
3
Play "pets." Model taking care of your new "pet." Switch roles, so you can be the animal and they can help take care of you.
4
Tell your child what a great job they did taking care of their "pet."
Put PEER Into Action
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Pause:
- Take turns making different animal noises.
E
Engage:
- "Come here, little puppy! Oh, you look like you have too much energy and need to exercise. Let's play fetch!"
- "Meow meow. I'm hungry, can you take care of me? Meow meow!"
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Encourage:
- When you're the "owner," try to say what you think the "pet" needs.
- When you're the "pet," it's okay to break character and give your child suggestions for some things they could do to take care of you.
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Reflect:
- Tell your child all the ways they did a great job taking care of their pretend "pet."
Not quite ready?
Use a stuffed animal as your "pet," and practice taking care of the animal together.
Ready for more?
See if your child can play "pets" with a friend or sibling.
As your child masters this skill...
They will act out a real world experience during pretend play (like taking care of a pet).