Psychology says children who pretend to be teachers, doctors or parents while playing may be revealing how they understand the adult world

Children frequently engage in role-play, mirroring adult behaviors to grasp social norms and roles. Psychologist Lev Vygotsky highlights that this kind of imaginative play is crucial for developing skills. Research from the University of Virginia shows that younger children are drawn to exciting pretend roles. Nevertheless, cultural perspectives on such play vary, affecting children's developmental experiences.