Toddlers love familiar things; they might have a favourite blanket, toy, book or colour. If they do, it is perfectly normal and developmentally appropriate.
Having items that they love, or say, wanting to be a cat, is a sign that your toddler’s understanding of the world is starting to develop. They are now able to imagine being something other than themselves, which is an incredibly rich part of their development.
When your toddler wants to be a cat every day, or they want to play with one particular toy all the time, it actually helps them to make sense of the way things work.
We know that children learn through repetition, so by playing in the same way, your toddler learns more about their interests.
Repetition helps children feel safe; it is very comforting.
These interests can be used to expand ideas and introduce new ones, taking their learning forward in a safe way.
If, for instance, your toddler won’t go anywhere on two feet, as they are clearly a cat, let them do this when they can.
Introduce learning about what they are interested in. If it’s an animal, you might talk about the foods that the animal eats, how they go to the toilet or how they play.
It’s useful though not to limit the learning to one set path, so introducing other animals will enhance your toddlers' learning, driving it forward and with more understanding.
There may be times when having a ‘cat’, or wearing that favourite outfit, just isn’t going to work for you.
When your toddler can't pursue their interest – perhaps walking on all fours is not a good idea when you're in a hurry – it's ok to calmly and consistently put some boundaries around this play. You can say, "I need to keep you safe, and this floor is sharp. You have to walk now."
The world is a big place, and it can be quite scary for young children. Having something they can hold, or control offers them reassurance.
As their brain develops, your toddler will begin to have more interests and should be less focused on one type of play or toy.
If you feel concerned about any of your toddler’s interests, have a chat with your health visitor or other health professional who is working with your family.