Kids & Pretend Play: How Using Their Imaginations In Pretend Play Prepares Children for Real Life Fun With Dad

Do your kids like to play superheroes or throw princess tea parties? If so, fantastic! They’ve already found pretend play. Some may worry that their children’s feet aren’t on the ground or that they’re distracted, but engaging in pretend play really shows an advance in a child’s cognitive processing.

According to Professor Karen Hutchinson of Rowan University, “Play is actually the work of a child, in which they are preparing themselves for adult roles and for society at large.” Given that’s true, you’ll want to encourage pretend play for your kiddo! Here are just some of the benefits of pretend play:

• Helps children move from concrete thinking to more abstract thinking.

• Promotes problem-solving skills.

• Addresses emotions – both positive and negative.

• Stretches a child's imaginations.

• Fosters language development.

• Provides a risk-free environment to try new things.

Children don’t need elaborate costumes for pretend play. Everyday items like scarves, hats, vests, aprons, ties, gloves, jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, old clip-on earrings), purses, briefcases, umbrella strollers or maybe a walking cane, will work. Children will create their own pretend play scenarios by adding these props to their toys.

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