Pretend play, also known as make-believe is when a child pretends to be someone else or an object for fun and entertainment. For example, when your child talks to an imaginary friend or flies like an airplane, they are engaging in pretend play.
Pretend play engages your child’s imagination, problem-solving skills, creativity and more. It is essential for the cognitive development in children two to seven. The following are reasons to encourage pretend play for your children.
Why Encourage Pretend Play
You can develop your child’s social and emotional skills
When your child engages in pretend play, they are taking on a role outside of their everyday life. Such play roles will allow the child to start thinking like someone else. Doing so develops empathy and compassion. With proper guidance from adults, a child can also learn forms of self-regulation and patience. For example, playing the role of the host of the tea party, the child can distribute scones equally, resisting hoarding the scones to themselves.
You can develop your child’s language skills
Making up stories is a large part of pretend-play. When a child verbalizes her pretend play experiences, he or she is practicing words or phrases which wouldn’t be used otherwise. Your language can be a good example for the child.
You can develop your child’s thinking skills and creativity
Pretend play often originates from past experiences. Whether it is Mom cooking dinner or going to the park, your child can develop role play with these situations. Your child will encounter real life problems that require logical decisions and problem-solving skills.
You can have fun and bond with your child at the same time
Pretend play can be a fun, bonding activity for the family. Your child will often do or say hilarious things, influencing a more light hearted approach to go through life.
At Toys N More in Reno, Nevada, we encourage pretend play. Visit our Reno toy store today!