There are not too many more engaging or inspiring words in the English language than “Let’s Pretend”. In early childhood, these words become a magic carpet that can take a child to places and situations beyond their experience. Sometimes, more importantly, it can enable a child to explore feelings and situations that are affecting their own development.
Creative role play can expand horizons and help a child encounter new situations in a safe and controlled fashion. Parents who encourage “dress up” playtime may observe attitudes or behaviors that need further attention. Directed pretend play can help shape a child’s perspective and social skills, particularly in the areas of negotiation and problem solving, learning leadership skills and understanding the perspective of others. There is also a body of evidence suggesting that, because creative role play encourages emotion, cognition, language and sensory motor skills, it may have a direct impact on a child’s intelligence.
So how do we, as parents, use role play to benefit our children? It’s not as hard as it sounds. Usually, the first form of role play our children experience, is imitating us. Pretending to vacuum, pounding on a workbench, “going shopping”, driving a toy car are all early steps in developing an understanding of the world and real life activities.
Playing “dress up” allows a child to become someone else, real or imaginary (and no, I’m not referring to having kids dress up in sexy costumes!). This activity helps a child to explore the real life roles of the people in their world, and to imagine characters from stories or their imaginations. When purchasing a Halloween costume, look for one that your child would like to “be” all year long. It could be helpful to have a dress up box that includes an animal costume, as well as costumes and props representing different career choices, and imaginary or historical figures.
Eventually, your child will want to act out favorite stories, so include something in your dress up box that reminds them of the books you read together. You may want to encourage your children to act out the stories, or dances for a family audience. This helps to develop talent and self-esteem. And who can argue that applause helps build confidence?
Make room in your home for a place where make believe is not only allowed, but encouraged. From a refrigerator box to a tree house, these magical spaces allow your child to feel free to be anyone or anything.
Finally, make time to be a part of your child’s role play activities. Your participation tells him that it’s good to explore and experience new things. It also allows them to show you, either by behavior or dialogue, things that bother or confuse them. Your reaction and response to their pretend situations will help them understand and model their own appropriate behavior. Don’t hesitate to throw on that superhero cape and save the day!
