Children 18–24 Months Beginning Pretend Play and Role Imitation

At 18–24 months, children start engaging in simple symbolic or pretend play. They begin to use objects to represent something else, such as using a block as a phone or pretending a spoon is a drum. This early symbolic play helps develop imagination, cognitive flexibility, and understanding of abstract concepts.

Imitation of adult activities becomes more evident during this stage. Children observe and replicate actions they see in daily life, such as cooking, cleaning, or talking on the phone. Through imitation, they learn routines, social behaviors, and problem-solving strategies while practicing coordination and fine motor skills.

Early imagination is fostered through these pretend activities. Children create scenarios and assign roles, even in simple ways, demonstrating their ability to understand cause-and-effect relationships, perspective-taking, and social interaction. Pretend play also supports language development as they narrate or describe actions.

Simple examples of pretend play include feeding a doll, pretending to cook with toy utensils, mimicking phone conversations, or acting out bedtime routines. These activities encourage creativity, build social-emotional skills, and help children make sense of the world around them.

Understanding pretend play and role imitation at 18–24 months enables parents and caregivers to provide supportive environments. Engaging in shared play, offering safe and imaginative props, and responding to the child’s creativity enhances learning, emotional development, and social competence.