The importance of pretend play (When is it going to far?)
"Attack!! The boy runs around with a pot on his head, a woodenspoon for a sword and a lid for his shield."
This is the current stage of our household. Anything goes.
(My son, 4 years old, playing knights)
We always embrace his pretend play, because through this we believe we connect with him, learn him life lessons and sometimes even skills. But after having a discussion with a parent at our school who is also a Clinical Psychologist, about how far is to far for pretend play it got me thinking. (Her eldest is 5 and is also at the pretend play stage.)
Why is pretend play important?
- Social and emotional skills develop:
They experiment with social and emotional roles of life. They learn to take turns, to be responsible and to solve problems. They develop empathy by "pretending to walk in someone else shoes. They also develop a self-esteem because they can be anyone and can do anything.
- Language skills
When the children play they begin to put words into the right context, they speak correctly. This is mostly because through pretend play they mimic their parents. - Thinking skills
They have to device plans, what will work, what can they use as a shield, a sword etc. This enables them to think critical and creatively.
- Creative thinking
Now here is the catch.
When is pretend play going to far?
- When the "pretend" friend becomes the scapegoat for when a child doesn't want to do something (picking up toys, cleaning a mess etc.)
- When your toddler isn't making friends, only playing with the "pretend" friend.
- When playing "pretend" play with friends become inappropriate; like playing doctor-doctor.
- When "pretend" play between friends become unbalanced. When one kid is always dominating, is always the queen or the imperious one.
- When "pretend" play becomes violent.
There should be a proper balance between reality and pretend play, especially when children become of school going age. Pretend play should be managed and not left alone when they become older.
Resources
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/creativity-play/importance-pretend-play
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/beautiful-minds/201203/the-need-pretend-play-in-child-development
https://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler-behavior/toddler-pretend-play.aspx
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great post - super clear and helpful - i only one kid that tends to pretend play - fascinating watching it tho
Children are Children :D
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