Pretend Play For Children Of All Ages

Little children have very big imaginations. Make-believehousehold type toys. Miniature cleaning supplies, food
and pretend play are a primary part of daily play forand kitchen utensils, and child-sized furniture are all
most children. As early as the toddler years, littleideal choices.
ones create their own play scenarios. Pretend playDress-up clothes, puppets, and soft dolls will also spur
and dramatic play typically continue throughouta preschooler's imagination. Provide your preschooler
childhood, into the late elementary years and is a vitalwith a variety of art supplies as well. Crayons, paper,
part of healthy childhood development.glue sticks, yarn, tissue paper, felt scraps, and
Imaginative play helps a child explore her own feelingsbuttons will allow your child to create her own
and emotions about a variety of situations. Childrenimaginary toys and props. Dollhouses are also
can overcome fears, like going to the doctor,excellent preschool toys for pretend play. The Our
through pretend play. They can consider all kinds ofHouse dollhouse includes all the furniture your little
different career tracks or practice the parenting skillsone will need to play house with the included family
they will use in the future. Children can pretend aloneof four.
or in group play with their friends. Both solo andOlder preschoolers and early elementary age children
group dramatic play enhances language skills, socialare beginning to explore their communities. Blocks and
behavior, problem solving, and many other areas oftoy buildings allow children to create neighborhoods
development.and cities in their play. Over-sized boxes or play tents
Most children can play make-believe with a barecan provide life-size buildings for a pretend
minimum of toys and props, but there are a numbercommunity. Children this age enjoy dolls and action
of items that will make play time even more fun. Thefigures as well as dress-up clothes and accessories
best toys to encourage pretend play are those thatfor community figures like the mail man or police
allow a child to use his imagination to decide the toy'sofficers.
purpose. Choose safe, long-lasting toys that fit withDuring the elementary school years, children will begin
your child's personal interests. Provide your child withto practice their lives as adults. School-age children
a selection of age-appropriate toys that promotehave more specific interests and hobbies and place
self-discovery and creativity.great value on their friends. Small tools and
Toddler aged children usually play alone or play parallelwood-working equipment are great for imaginative
to another child who is playing similarly, but willplay at this age. Dolls, action figures, and all their
typically not participate in group play. Children this ageaccessories encourage older children to pretend as
like to imitate their parents. Ride-on cars and pushwell. Provide your school-age child with a selection of
toys like small vacuum cleaners or lawnmowers notscience toys, magic kits, and toys specific to a
only enhance muscle development, they alsocertain profession, like veterinarian instruments and
encourage toddlers to pretend. Toys that allowstuffed animals or digging tools and a magnifying
children to play house are typically the beginning ofglass for an archaeologist.
many years of dramatic play.No matter what age your child is, stay involved in his
As a child progresses into his preschool years, playplay. Encourage pretend play by asking open-ended
becomes much more social. Preschoolers love to playquestions and remember to follow your child's lead
in small groups and their growing language skills canwhile you play together. Almost any toy can become
take dramatic play to new levels. At this age mosta part of make-believe play. Choose a wide selection
children are still primarily interested in the way lifeof toys and props that cater to your child's individual
works at home so provide plenty of everydayinterests.