Tiger Lost its Roar?

September 4, 2014

Remane a lion? Trunkectomy on an elephant? Restore the hiss for a snake? You’ll have experts in your house at these impossible feats and the more mundane tasks of a veterinarian. Children are naturals at doctoring their stuffed animals. You might want to keep an eye on the cat or dog especially if they are not used to or just adjusting to the demands of children; think cat in a bonnet and doll shoes.

Skills/learning/benefits: drama, role play, language, extended play, social skills like empathy and compassion, fine motor, extended play

The Props: An old sweater or one of dad’s donated white shirts will be great for a lab coat. You can personalize a name tag out of construction paper or cover a piece of cardboard. A play medical kit will hold the doctor’s tool and be a great addition because it’s a little tough to craft a stethoscope. Some band-aids and strips of cloth for bandages would be welcome. Masking tape can be perfect for extensive first aid. You might consider the blue tape that is more easily removed and not so sticky. Popsicle sticks can be splints or tongue depressors.

Roles can be doctor, of course and the patient is likely to have an owner. So lots of room for different scenarios if someone brings their patients to the office. Perhaps a receptionist, vet assistant, is at the desk to check in and out. World class vets will have a special table for exams. Paper and pens for the doctor’s notes and orders and play money to pay for the services; let’s not get them used to credit cards.

There’s a lot to keeping our pets healthy, especially the stuffed ones. Don’t be surprised when your young ones are there to make sure the animals of the house are getting proper care.