The Benefits of Imaginative Play

Pretend play not only enhances intellectual development but exercises all facets of the developing child. Here's how:

SOCIAL ABILITY
Children's social skills-sharing, turn taking, conversing-increase as they work out the intricacies of a play theme with friends or siblings. Also, children exhibit more social competence when playing. Set up a tea party, and notice how considerate each child becomes in this play scene.

When playing imaginatively, children's interactions with others last longer, are more complex and involved and are more cooperative.

EMOTIONAL STRENGTH
By re-enacting episodes involving disappointment, fear, anger or jealousy, children come to manage and understand those feelings. In addition, after engaging in pretend play involving emotions, children show an enhanced ability to empathize with the feelings of others.

CREATIVITY
In the world of pretend play, children can be anyone and do anything. Predictably, children who spend lots of time engaged in such play score high on tests of imagination and creativity.

DISCIPLINE
In play, children practice rules. If you see your son putting his doll to bed over and over again, realize that he's practicing the routine, taking the role of the parent, coming to terms with the rules you impose.
When re-enacting disciplinary scenes, your child works toward building her conscience and self-control. When your child tells her teddy bear, "No, you can't eat another cookie, you'll spoil your appetite," understand that by stepping into the role of disciplinarian she becomes more disciplined herself.
You can use imaginative play to your advantage, too. Having trouble getting your two-year-old dressed each morning? Slip a sock on your hand and say, "Mr. Sock says it's time to get dressed." Use your child's interest in an imaginative world to build positive routines into your day.

RESILIENCY
Many experiences-moving, the birth of a sibling, potty training, starting child care, Mom going back to work-can add stress to a preschooler's life. Pretend play offers a release that can help children overcome their fears and misunderstandings about changes that are occurring.