“Today, Mommy Plays My Game” – The Magic of Role Reversal in Play

Intro
What happens when your child becomes the one in charge? “Today, you follow my rules,” says your 5-year-old — and suddenly, you’re the student, they’re the teacher. Role-reversal play builds more than giggles — it builds empathy and self-esteem.

Why It’s Powerful
✔️ Empowers kids with leadership and decision-making
✔️ Encourages perspective-taking
✔️ Helps them process daily routines (like school, doctors, etc.)

Ideas to Try

• Let them be the “shopkeeper” and you the customer

• Reverse bedtime roles (“Now you brush my teeth!”)

• Play “Kidzen Class” where they teach you how to build with blocks

Research Note
Vygotsky’s theory (1978) emphasizes role-play as a tool for developing higher psychological functions — especially in social learning.