The Best Pretend Play Toys For Imagination Awakening

Parenting involves many challenging situations, which we discuss extensively and shamelessly on Scary Mommy. In the same way that becoming pregnant is challenging, mom fury exists, and yeah, by the way, we’re all thinning hair. But there are also many wonderful, amazing moments that you want to savor forever. The emergence of the imagination is unquestionably one of those beautiful times, and the greatest pretend play toys aid your children in this process. You poke your partner when your child places an empty spoon or cup in their mouth “Look! She is pretending!”

Toys for pretend play allow for open-ended play, which is a valuable tool for the development and flourishing of the imagination. The backdrop for children to create their own storylines is truly established by items like dress-up outfits or the ever-popular play food sets.

We got in touch with Emily Ndungu, a specialist in early childhood special needs, to find out more about this extraordinary phenomenon’s mechanics and the significance of it.

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The benefits of pretend play for childhood development

Mini Kitchen Play Set – Wooden Stimulation Stove Pretend Play

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A specialist

In Leander, Texas, Emily Ndungu teaches early childhood special education (ECSE). Her early childhood special education bachelor’s degree is from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Both in the US and in Kenya, she has taught in a range of educational settings. She adores being a mother to her one-year-old son and working with kids.

What Age Is Enough To Engage In Pretend Play?

Your youngster may begin to show preparedness for pretend play as early as 12 months old, according to Ndungu. “You could see your toddler handle the remote like a brush or bring a block to their ear like a phone.” They are always observing you and striving to act like you, claims Ndungu. If you’re waiting for your children to play imaginatively together, you’ll have to wait a few more years. Cooperative play and peer interaction don’t start until kids are 3 or 4 years old.

How Can I Encourage My Toddler to Act Out Play?

The solution is straightforward: “Playing with them is the greatest way to foster pretend play,” says Ndungu. “Getting down on their level and acting like a doctor or a cat may seem silly at first, but your child will learn greatly from it. Sometimes kids require adult guidance and encouragement to help them develop their imagination.”

Keeping an eye on your child’s interests is another approach to promote play. “If kids enjoy dinosaurs, bury their playthings in the sandbox and provide them with a toothbrush. Give them some Band-Aids, Q-tips, and a thermometer so they may pretend to be a doctor if they enjoyed going to the doctor’s office.” Once you are aware of your child’s interests, Ndungu advises letting them explore via play by giving them toys and resources from around the house.

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Why Is Pretend Play So Important?

According to Ndungu, pretend play is essential for children’s growth. It develops verbal and socioemotional abilities in addition to creativity and imagination. Even if you can’t immediately notice the advantages of pretending, they are there. “Your child is developing turn-taking, problem-solving, and listening skills while they play. When pretending, language skills are developed and practiced. ” Witness the phenomena by getting a few fake toys or empty egg cartons out. Just consider, adds Ndungu, how counting, social interaction, and food language are all practiced while playing grocery store.