The digital entertainment world offers so much to people of all ages, from the elderly to those who are starting to take their first steps, and it is a wonderful world. There are, however, other forms of play that have existed for a much longer time- games children play that boost their social skills, imagination, self-esteem, language development, cognitive abilities, and more. Role playing and dress up move a child away from reliance on electronics and help them learn to tap their inner resources. Playing doctor is a form of play that serves the above purposes as well as allows a higher level of comfort when dealing with their own health care provider. Kids Lab Coats are the perfect accessory to take medical role playing games to a higher level.

Many experts in the field recommend a toy doctor's kit for a variety of reasons, and Kids Lab Coats complete the kit. There are many psychological and cognitive benefits to playing doctor. When children playing doctor mimic their own doctor, they are learning about empathy and compassion as they care for their "patients." Their imaginary scenarios allow them to be the ones in charge, boosting confidence and self- esteem. When they mimic and explore the words they have heard in the medical world, they are expanding their vocabulary and language development. Playing doctor also calls for problem solving, and when playing with peers, collaborative efforts- play requirements that boost brain power.

Playing doctor can also reduce the stress of what can be a frightening and unfamiliar situation. It is an excellent way to prepare a child for an upcoming medical procedure. They can explore the things that they have seen and try on the doctor's role, allowing them to develop an understanding of a perspective other than their own. For the well prepared child, much of the medical paraphernalia, from the stethoscope to the long white coats the doctors wear, can actually bring the comfort of familiarity instead of the added anxiety of facing an entirely foreign world.

​Last, the inestimable importance of simply having fun should never be forgotten. In an era where many young people are dealing with stress and anxiety, it is crucial to allow children to simply play and have fun. Kids Lab Coats add that special something to a form of role playing that has existed since people have had health needs, perhaps since the beginnings of man.

Kids lab coats are the perfect addition to any dress up bin. Boys and girls love pretend play with costumes, and dress up play has important emotional and educational value during the early years of development. Learn more about ways simple kids lab coats can be both fun and educational for a child.

Teaching empathy through play
Children learn through play, and much of the emotional development in the first ten years of life takes place when they pretend to be someone, or something, else. Taking on the role of a doctor during dress up play with kids lab coats allows children to practice key empathetic skills such as listening to how others feel during a check-up, staying calm in emergencies, and solving problems that help others feel better. Kids enjoy the authority they feel in a lab coat, and love stuffing the pockets with band aids, but they are also developing the ability to relate to others.

Developing an interest in STEM
Many professions in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields require a lab coat as part of job safety and most children associate them with the job of “scientist”. When children pretend to be mad chemists whipping up potions, or biologists testing water samples from the backyard hose, they’re making emotional connections to future careers in the fastest growing parts of the economy.

Getting kids interested in STEM early is crucial, as studies have shown children start to think math and science are “too hard” as early as age eight. This is particularly true for girls and minorities who may not encounter many STEM professionals who look like them. Emphasizing play around STEM topics at home is a great way to let kids see themselves enjoying science, and will lay a groundwork for confidence in school and beyond. Having a lab coat in the box next to a sparkly dress or a pirate costume is a subtle, but effective way to emphasize that children can be anything they dream about.

Preparing kids for medical procedures
In addition to the benefits of pretend play, lab coats can also become powerful tools to help children cope with medical problems. Many children feel anxiety about visiting the doctor, even for routine check-ups. If painful or invasive medical procedures are necessary, children may feel helpless or scared about what will take place. This kind of worry and stress can actually interfere with a child’s immune system and make healing harder.

Spending time learning about the roles of the different doctors, nurses, and technicians they will encounter can give them more confidence and calm fears. Let them put on a lab coat and role play as the medical staff and go through the steps of the procedure they’re worried about. This helps them know exactly what to expect and feel a connection with their caregivers through pretend play.

A lab coat is a versatile piece that can be used to transform a bored child into a doctor, a scientist, a field technician and more. Not only do children have fun with lab coats, they learn and grow with every time they play.