Have you ever watched your child play, or even joined in while they are leaping all buildings in a single bound as superheros or cooking up the ultimate five-course meal as a top chef? Have you seen their classrooms or daycare centers filled with props and more, encouraging the children to all tap into their imagination? Well, although many may not think so, pretend play is extremely important for a child’s development. Here are some of the benefits of “pretend play” according to the experts.
Expression and creative thinking
Pretend play gets those creative juices flowing! Kids can express and act out different scenarios that encourage them to “go where no man has gone before”, all while fine-tuning their creative thinking skills, allowing them the opportunity for self-expression.
Communication and self-regulation
Pretend play allows children to create scenarios where they are communicating. Whether they are blasting off into space or giving instructions to their students while playing school, this allows them to build communication skills that they will use throughout life. If they happen to be playing in a group, pretend play allows them the opportunity to self-regulate. They will be encouraged to regulate their own emotions as they take turns, creating stories with their friends. Sometimes, things won’t turn out how they like, this is the perfect opportunity to see how they work through it.
Problem-solving and conflict resolution
Pretend play opens the door for children to problem-solve. The example that the experts used in the Parents.com article was if your child is slaying dragons during pretend play and they don’t have access to a “real sword” (or a pretend one for that matter,) how will they solve they problem. What can they do to create something or use to bring that dragon down. Additionally, conflict resolution, falls in to the same category as above. If they are able to self-regulate when they have a problem with a peer that they are playing with, then it is more likely that they will be able to come to a resolution if there is conflict.
Social and emotional development
Through play, kids grow both socially and emotionally. They can learn compassion and practice empathy. Every doctor has to show compassion for their patients!
Last but not least, pretend play will give your child a sense of independence.
Pretend play allows your child the freedom to use their imagination, take risks, and be exactly who they think they want to be at that moment. Pretend play allows them the confidence and independence to take on the world and succeed.
Pretend play is something that all age groups can enjoy. Even mom and dad can get in on some pretend fun for awhile. It will be good for them too!
