Let's Make Pretend

Pretend play is a very important of healthy childhood development. It is known to researchers as "Sociodramatic Play" or "Imaginative Play". It is a type of free play in which children engage in creative and imaginative social interactions. Pretend play has been shown to effectively promote the development of social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills in children especially with autistic children.

Parents, teachers and or caregivers should create opportunities for children which allow their imagination to be released. It is the place where children carry out action plans, take on roles, and transform objects as they express their ideas and feelings about the world around them. Pretend play challenges children to see new solutions to life problems. Researcher believe children that do not play and use their imagination regularly when they are young may grow into anxious, socially maladjusted adults.

Educational toys provide support in the development of social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills in children. They also provide a bridge for a child's interaction with parents or caregiver. According to an article by the "American Academy of Pediatrics" when adults participate in the play of children, learning is enhanced. Parents are able to observe the skills their child currently has and also help expand those skills.

When choosing educational toys that promote pretend play look for toys that reflect real life situations, such as a kitchen set, rocket ships, various vehicles, action figures, playhouses, various rockers, etc. Also be sure to check that the toy is safe for your child and that it is the right size as well as quality and durability. Be sure that they can stand up to heavy use because you don't want to restrict play in order to preserve a fragile toy. Then think about how it fits in his/her general interests. Most important, make pretend play an event for you and your child.