the benefits of
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imaginary play
hen you think of imaginative play what comes to mind? Fun? Costumes? A creative way to while away the hours? Oftentimes, adults downplay the importance of imaginative play, thinking it’s something to do if there’s enough time after “real” learning takes place. But pretend play is both educational and a critical aspect of a healthy childhood that should be valued for what it truly is: children’s way of making sense of the world around them. Boys and girls alike are able to tackle life’s problems head on through imaginative scenarios, whether it be playing out how to handle a stressful situation, practicing various social roles or learning how to self-regulate. Perhaps equally surprising, imaginative play continues far longer than most parents think, with some research indicating it may continue until age 11. In our technology-saturated society, it’s pivotal then that parents diligently protect and preserve the time and space needed for children to play accordingly.
Creativity
Language Skills
Creativity begets creativity, and the more a child plays make believe, the easier it is to come up with fantastic and wonderful things to do! Fostering creativity means not only can children be whatever they want to be. It also means that plain and everyday objects can transform into a myriad of props. A bedsheet is no longer simply a piece of bedding; it instantly becomes a sail on a pirate’s ship, a picnic blanket on a grassy knoll or a kite on a blustery day!
Whether your child has the gift of gab or not, imaginative play both facilitates and necessitates verbal communication. Giving instructions, taking an order or vividly describing the magical characters and landscapes of an imaginary world requires fleshing out the experience. You may find that your child’s inner thespian comes out when he is the star of his own show. But even if character voices aren’t his thing, imaginative play still will fine-tune his communication skills.
Social, Emotional & Problem-Solving Skills Playing with a parent, sibling or friend provides a child instant give and take. Asking questions like, “Where are we going next?” or “What do you want to order at the restaurant?” helps children sequence orders of events and gives them choices, while offering a safe place to devise how to handle any number of scenarios, be it going to the doctor’s office, grocery store or zoo. When more than one person is involved, it also requires compromise, taking turns and creative problem-solving. After all, not everyone can be king of the castle!
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Physical Development An active imagination builds an active body, whether through climbing into a blanket fort, whipping up a batch of invisible hot tea or simply buttoning a much-beloved costume. Baking up a batch of pretend cookies bolsters fine motor skills, and rolling down a hill (you know, to escape the dreaded giant!) gives much needed sensory input.
