[pixiemama]

Is it still be pretend play if he has the actual tools? For example, DS loves to "bake cookies" with blocks and a wooden box, a bowl full of cars, or any other thing he likes to pretend is a serving platter and cookies. I have been thinking about buying him a nice baking set w/ a rolling pin and some play food items. Should I? I guess I am wondering if having these replica items will lessen(sp?) his imaginative play since everything will basically laid out in front of him. Am I thinking about it too much? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/eyesroll.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="roll">

 

[sunnmama]

I think he would love it. It is wonderful that he is able to "create" a baking set from other objects--that kind of creative play is very valuable and to be encouraged. But, IMO, supporting an interest by supplying a set of the "real tools" will not decrease his imaginative capacity. Probably he will surprise you by incorporating *both kinds of toys! I vividly remember using my Loc-blocs and Tinkertoys as food when playing "cooking show" as a child (that was what my mom always watched). But I also really loved having the actual toys so that I could feel more grown up sometimes.

 

[shanleysmama]

I would get him the set. My kids have had play phones, but nothing has outlasted a melon-baller as their ultimate play phone, LOL, so I think your DS will bake with both the imitation and the non-baking items.<br><br>
Melanie

 

[skj474]

I think it would be great to have both <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> Ds pretends like your does, but he also has the "real" lay items too and he plays with both.

 

[karen ann]

Maybe instead of a "toy" baking set, why not get him real kid-sized baking tools? My DS (3.5 yo) loves baking "for real" (as he says) with me. The only parts I do are anything oven related and electrically related (i.e. mixers). Other than that he does it all: mixing, measuring, pouring, setting the timers, etc. He has access to all his "tools" for play-baking as well (generally blocks or clay lately), buy once a week we make something "for real." He made m&m brownies for his preschool party (I think valentines but I could be wrong) and all I did was put it in and take it out of the oven (and read the instructions to him). He was so proud of himself that day when he told his teachers he made them. (And he looks so darn cute in his chef's jacket. End bragging mummy.)