The Many Benefits of Doll Play
You can find dolls in playrooms all around the world. But did you know that they’re great toys for kids?
Through the power of pretend play, dolls help little ones make sense of the world around them. They let kids play out the interactions they see every day, and this kind of creativity helps to reinforce real-world learning. Dolls can help in managing emotions, developing social skills, and so much more!
Here are 10 amazing benefits of playing with dolls:
Dolls are forever friends
The bond between a child and their doll can be very, very, strong! Always in their corner, dolls give kids unconditional love and serve as lifelong confidantes.
Many adults still cherish their dolls as comfort objects, too! We love this at Hey Bestie. Friendship is forever!
Dolls teach kids empathy
Did you know that playing with dolls is an empathy activity for kids? This is because kids see dolls as little people with their own thoughts and feelings. So, during doll play, kids practice how they might interact with their peers. They also get to hone their nurturing skills as they feed, clothe, and take care of their dolls’ imaginary needs, giving them a new perspective and a better sense of empathy!
Teaching empathy to kids has lifelong benefits. It helps us become better friends!
Dolls encourage creativity & imagination
Where will your dolls go, today? What will they do when they get there? Should they put their hair up or down? Which outfits will they wear?
Dolls boost imaginative play, big time! With only a doll in their hands, a child can create a whole world of make-believe, full of original lore. Exercising their imaginations not only encourages independent play but also helps to develop problem-solving skills and self-confidence. Super important stuff!
Dolls improve vocabulary
You better believe it! Kids do all the talking for their dolls. Some might even role-play conversations for hours, putting their grade school vocabulary to work!
During play, ask your child to describe what their doll is doing and how they’re feeling. Then, listen as they find the words they need to tell their story. You can also teach your kiddo new words while you play together!
Dolls teach self-soothing behaviors
Like stuffed animals, dolls can be quite comforting to young children. Hugging or carrying their Bestie around may help your child feel relaxed and emotionally supported, which helps to manage big feelings like fear and over-excitement.
Want to take it a step further? Ask your kiddo how their doll is feeling. If they’re sad, show your child how to soothe their doll with things like hugging, rocking, taking deep breaths, speaking softly, or singing happy songs. Kids can learn how to self-soothe by taking care of others.
Dolls encourage independence
Playing with dolls is a solo activity, for the most part. It gives kids the chance to create their own worlds with unique Besties and storylines. They call the shots!
This independent, imaginative play teaches kids how to have fun on their own while exploring real-life concepts. In other words, dolls are a recipe for self-esteem, problem-solving, and creativity through independent play.
Dolls provide representation
Kids feel seen when they have a doll that looks like them. It’s so validating! Sharing skin tone, hair color, and eye color with a doll boosts self-esteem, making anything feel possible. Representation matters!
But wait, there’s more! Having a diverse collection of dolls encourages empathy and acceptance. That’s why no two dolls are the same at Hey Bestie. We love to celebrate our differences!
Dolls are timeless
There’s a reason dolls have been around forever… They never go out of style!
Dolls are open-ended toys, so there’s a million different ways that kids can play with them. That also means they’re never really done playing. Kids will go back to their dolls, over and over again, creating awesome new stories every time.
Some kids play with dolls even into their pre-teens! They’re long-lasting toys with a whole lot of benefits.
Dolls let kids be kids
Doll play is screen-free, internet-free, good old-fashioned fun. Kids can let their spirits soar, 100% free from the outside world. They run the show, so they can play and grow in confidence.
Growing up can wait, Bestie. (It’s pretty overrated!)
Dolls develop fine motor skills
Doll play is more than make-believe – it’s hands-on! Kids improve their motor skills by handling their dolls and interacting with doll accessories. Things like brushing hair, changing doll clothes, engaging with play food, and bending doll arms help to improve dexterity.
What can we say? Dolls are amazing kids’ toys. From teaching empathy to providing little ones with unconditional friendship, there are loads of doll play benefits for your child’s development. They’re timeless toys that everyone should get to enjoy! We can all learn, play, and grow with Hey Bestie dolls.
See you soon!
