7 reasons that dollhouses are essential for children

For hundreds of years, miniature homes have hosted the big imaginations of kids far and wide.

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And by their side – a grown-up that tries their best to keep up. When talking animals enter the world, Dad adopts the voice of a mischevious cat. When dolls can suddenly fly, Mum takes them to the sky. When Grandma gets reprimanded for going off script, she laughs and promises it won’t happen again. (It’s hard sticking to a story your grandchild is making up on the spot.) 

Dollhouses are the source of many joyful moments. But did you know that their benefits go even further? 

Before getting stuck into the 7 reasons dollhouses are a must-have, we wanted to shout-out our dollhouse of choice – hint, it stars some familiar faces.

It also works with add-on deluxe rooms (sold separately), so your child’s adventures can evolve as they grow. For instance, the Rooftop Roller Party Playset takes their dollhouse up a notch with a skate ramp, stage, and skating rink! 

This dollhouse means endless fun, yes, but it also nurtures growth – which is our (very natural) segue for 7 ways that dollhouses are essential for kids. 

Introducing the Gabby’s Celebration Dollhouse

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This super-cute dollhouse features characters from the hit TV show Gabby’s Dollhouse, including Gabby and her fun-loving cat friends. 

Each storey (there are four in total) presents rooms charged with colour, accessories, and of course – tons of fun. No matter what stories your child tells, they’ll come to life spectacularly with Gabby’s Celebration Dollhouse.

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1. They foster self-expression and identity

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Who am I? It’s a big question, one that most of us dream could be answered in an afternoon of play. 

Dollhouses may not spark self-actualisation, but they do nurture self-expression in a jugement-free space. 

In the world of a dollhouse, you’re in charge. Whatever thought, idea, or character pops into a child’s head – it’s theirs to bring to life.

The stories we engage in say a lot about us. Our likes, our dislikes, our feelings, our relationships, and our way of seeing the world. All the things kids are only just discovering. (To be fair, even we’re still figuring it out!)

In a dollhouse, children can experiment with different parts of their personality in a safe space; meeting sides of themselves for the first time.

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2. They teach empathy

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The ability to feel for others, understand their reactions and respond thoughtfully takes time and effort, but the payoff makes it worthwhile. 

Playing with a dollhouse, and the characters inside it, is the act of stepping into someone’s shoes, or like Atticus Finch said, “Climbing into someone else’s skin and walking around in it.” 

As your child roleplays social interactions and relationships, they’re anticipating how someone else might feel.

How would a friend feel if you forgot about their birthday party? 

Or, on the flip side: How would a friend feel if you invited them to the skate park?

Kids learn how their actions might impact others, and their friendships are all the better for it. 

3. Role-play helps kids process real life

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When you’re relatively new to this life, there’s a lot to take in and make sense of.

From our emotions to routines, social roles, expectations, and the mechanics of how the world works (like taking out the rubbish or grocery shopping) – kids are constantly digesting information. 

Role-play is an opportunity for them to process these insights and put them to practice. 

Whether that be re-enacting their bedtime routine – having a bath, brushing their teeth, and reading a story – or experiences like feeling left out or frustrated on the playground. Playing with dollhouses helps kids wrap their heads around different experiences, how it makes them feel, and ways they could problem-solve.

4. Motor skill development

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Playing inside a miniature house (with miniature characters and accessories) supports your child’s fine motor skills. 

As they set up the dollhouse, arrange the furniture, and move the figurines around, they’re using their hands and fingers in precise ways. 

This builds out their dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and even spatial awareness. A triple threat, you could say.

5. Promotes bonding

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Dollhouses are a uniquely collaborative form of play that helps you bond with your child.

Joining their playtime has a few lovely perks, including: 

Memory-making
Just sitting with them, spending time together, and carving out a safe space for play creates strong memories that you and your little one will hold onto for years to come. It’s a moment to slow down and be present with them.

Encouraging their creativity
The words of a parent should never be underestimated. When you support your child’s imagination and show them how wonderful it is to dream big, you’re empowering their self-esteem and creative thinking. 

Understanding them better
Dollhouses invite parents to get a glimpse into their child’s mind; to see their thoughts, feelings, and imagination come to life right in front of you. This might help you understand their behaviour better and gain insight into their inner world. 

An opportunity to respond
With the above in mind, there may be opportunities for you to respond to your child’s thoughts and feelings through playing.

For example, if your child shows a character feeling scared at nighttime, you could jump in and suggest that they take some deep breaths, turn the light on, or grab a parent/friend for support.

6. Stress-relief through storytelling

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Sometimes, it’s nice to escape into a different world. Just like reading can help us step out of our own fears, worries, or stress, playing dolls has the same effect. 

With dollhouses, you’re in control of the narrative.  That can be reassuring when real life feels a little out of control, whether because of big changes (like a new sibling) or just having an overwhelming day. A child can live through their dolls having dance parties, roller skating, or just spending some quality time with their friends.

Storytelling brings stress-relief and can be therapeutic for both you and your little one.

7. Last but not least, creativity

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Just because it’s the obvious one, doesn’t make it less valuable. 

Dollhouses are a haven of creativity. From how they look to what characters do inside of them, your child’s imagination is at the helm. 

Creativity is essential for your child. Just look at everything we’ve covered in the last 6 points – creativity drives it all. 

It encourages cognitive growth, emotional development, social skills, and self-expression, while inspiring your child to move their fingers and hands in complex ways.

Wrapping it up

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Even when dollhouses lift your child’s imagination up in the clouds, with talking cat friends and daily roller skating parties (what a life), there are tangible benefits to their real, everyday life.

If you’re looking to take their dollhouse to the next level, we couldn’t recommend Gabby’s Celebration Dollhouse more.

This is a paid partnership between Kiindred and Gabby’s Dollhouse.