When 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 it 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
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!
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!
Language Skills
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.
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.
Positive Behavior
“Oh, no! The baby is crying! Whatever should we do?” you ask your preschooler as you hand her one of her favorite baby dolls. In that time, your daughter will have any number of options running through her head. She could change its diaper. Feed it. Burp it. Or maybe Baby just needs to be cuddled? Pretend play teaches a child not just how to navigate new experiences, but it can also train a child to care for others or show compassion. Likewise, pretend play is an excellent teaching tool for character training. Playing house, for instance, allows a child to have a role reversal—being the parent instead of the child. Little tots can even instruct their “child” accordingly, be it a stuffed animal, baby doll or reluctant littler sibling.
Ways to Nurture Imaginary Play
Have a Designated Station
Creativity can strike anywhere—on a car ride, in an airport or at the park. But it still helps to have a designated spot within your home for all the gear that helps make-believe come to life. A full playroom is wonderful but not necessary. An ottomon, a few storage cubes or a closet suffice nicely. Separate items by categories, such as cooking, costumes or music, so that it’s easy to grab a theme when the time comes.
Keep It Simple
Creative play can be costly, but it also doesn’t have to cost a thing! Empty oatmeal containers, cereal boxes and paper bags are perfect products for an at-home grocery store, while old saucepans, wooden spoons and bowls make for an instant mini-kitchen for your budding chef. Old and outdated gadgets like landline or cell phones, radios, CD players or desktop computers are just the thing for a budding techie who wants to learn how things work by tearing them apart. Simple home and garden tools like gloves, a bucket and a paintbrush are just the accessories your budding gardener or carpenter need. And never underestimate the power of a big cardboard box! Appliance and furniture boxes make excellent forts, playhouses, caves and restaurants, among other things.
Explore the World Around You
Check out a nature center, visit a local park or explore a nearby botanical garden. By exposing your child to the world around her, you’re opening doors to new worlds and endless possibilities of imaginative play. And don’t limit imaginative play to home use! Next time you take a nature walk, scour the ground for creepy crawlies and pretend to be one! Or become a modern-day Dr. Doolittle and act as though you can hold a conversation with the animals you see at the zoo.
---- Check It Out! ----
Looking for a family game night activity that helps bolster creative play? Check out Rory’s Story Cubes, the game where every player takes a turn being the narrator in an ever changing story. While all begin with “Once upon a time,” it’s up to the players to determine where it goes from there based on picture prompts and their own imaginations!
Lauren Greenlee is a boy mom of three (soon to be four) children hailing from Olathe.