Role Play Mix Up
Here's What To Do
1
While you’re role playing with your child and following their lead, act in a different way than expected.
2
Ask your child what you should do instead. For example, if your child says that you should be cooking a meal, pretend to vacuum. Or, instead of crying to show that you’re sad, start laughing.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Follow your child’s lead as they set up their props or tell you what they’d like to play.
E
Engage:
- “While we’re playing today I might do something silly.”
- “You can tell me what I should do instead.”
E
Encourage:
- Give a warning before you do something silly so that your child looks out for it.
- Ask guiding questions to help them if needed. “You told me to cook and I vacuumed. Can you show me what I should’ve been doing instead?”
R
Reflect:
- “What did you think when I ____ wrong?”
Not quite ready?
Vary your actions while playing with roles your child is very familiar with.
Ready for more?
Ask your child to think about what might happen if you kept doing the wrong thing. For example, would you have something to eat if you kept vacuuming instead of cooking?
As your child masters this skill...
They will demonstrate how to follow rules in different contexts.