When kids play house they can act out different times in a family's life. For example, they can use their play food and kitchen to have pretend dinner time. One person can pretend to cook and the other one can put all of the little dishes on the table. They can even mimic conversations like "how was your day at work, dear?"



Once the meal is over they can pretend to wash the dishes, or use the play dish washer if they have one. If they have a baby doll, they can pretend to set it down for a nap or feed it a bottle.

Kids also like to grocery shop. With a toy cash register and some fake household items, like little cereal boxes and things, they can play grocery store. One person can be the customer and pick out things that they need to buy like eggs or hamburgers, and then take it to the cashier. The cashier can add up the cost and come up with a total for the customer to pay. Most play cash registers come with play money to use, or pretend credit cards. They can put all the items in a bag and the customer can "go back home" with their groceries.

It is fun for children to imitate their parents and things that they see on television. Watching a child play house is one of the ways we can see what they have been exposed to, and what they understand about family life and the world. Playing house with your kids is also an opportunity to teach them things. If you play grocery store, you can teach them about adding and subtracting money. You can also teach them about housework if you play in their toy kitchen and show them what you do.

Playing house can be an extremely fun learning experience. With play kitchen sets, cash registers, play food and play money, kids can have hours of fun pretending. Encourage them to use their imaginations. Do not be afraid to take the time and play this game with them, as well. It is an opportunity to bond and build memories.