Why Pretend Play?

   I recently re-shared a photo on my Facebook page that said, "Happiness is...secretly watching your child play pretend." 

  I love listening to the scenarios Kay comes up with when she's pretending. I always had a great imagination when I was a kid (if I may say so...) and I love seeing her carry that on. But while it's certainly fun to play pretend, is there anything more than "just play" going on? Oh, you know it!

• Pretending helps kids learn...Problem solving. Pretending allows children to try on different roles and act of various scenarios. They encounter "problems" in their play (how can I escape from the dragon? What would I need in my cave?) that they can work through, allowing them to practice creative problem solving in a low-pressure situation.

• Pretending to be someone else allows children to see the world from different points of view, and helps to develop empathy for those who are different than themselves.

• Pretending allows children to feel more in control of a situation. Let's face it - kids don't have a lot of power in their world. By pretending to be an astronaut or a mommy or a police officer, they are in charge, they make the rules - and that builds their self-esteem. 
• 
       When kids play doctor, they learn what to expect when they really do go to the doctor's office. When they play school, they learn what that will be like. When the real situation comes, they can feel more confident going into it because they've already had experience with it.

• When pretending, kids can practice language skills without having to worry about being corrected. Have you ever heard your child reprimand their baby while playing house? They're imitating their most favorite role model - you (for better or worse!) 
  

  And this is just the tip of the iceberg. What have you noticed your child learning or practicing during pretend play? 

  For more, see "The Need for Pretend Play in Child Development" from Psychology Today.

   Wondering where these adorable photos come from? We got the chance to try out a costume from My Pretend Place - and you know how much we love pretend! Kay was thrilled with the astronaut suit set (with her pink winter boots added on - and a laundry basket for a spaceship!). I love all the ideas on the My Pretend Place site - not just products, but also crafts and recipes to enhance pretend play. And you've got to love a place that encourages you to play with the box! 

   Check out some of their ideas on Pinterest and Facebook. I can confidently give them P is for Preschooler's seal of approval!