Growing through Play: The Impact of Pretend Play on Children’s Development
It’s been proven times and times again that parents play the most important roles in a child’s life, especially when it comes to learning. Parents are the first people who teach their child to walk, talk, behave and so many other new things, but along with that, child play toys are a must in kids’ everyday learning process. Lots of studies have been made and a great number of them show that young children learn best by imaging and playing with child-safe toys.
Whether we are talking about a teepee where your children can pretend to have an imaginary picnic with friends, or a doll baby to which your kid will be a parent, these child play toys are an important part of your children’s development. Playtime is all about learning and having fun, and thanks to the large selection of safe child play toys that range in design, purpose and material, your kids will be able to feel like an adult (at least for a while). Pretend playtime allows children to acquire knowledge through discovering, observing and experimenting while allowing them to develop other pretty important skills as well.
Social Development
One of the most important things your children can learn from pretend play has to do with social norms and concepts. Pretend-play activities can help your children learn how to behave in certain situations and at a specific place. Since they will be “forced” to talk to their friends or relatives, pretend play will help your little ones learn more about empathy and increase their independence.
Language Development
Kids love to engage in imaginary play with their toys and friends, and except for playing some interesting roles, they love to invent their own words and phrases. The most interesting thing is that they love to imitate parents and very often you can hear your very own words reflected in their play. Precisely this is of vital importance for their language development as through play they can learn the true meaning of some words and get used to conjoining phrases together.
Self-Expression Development
Just like adults, kids also have alter their behaviour when in front of new people. Some of them feel shy, some insecure and not that open in front of people while others are pretty open for conversation even with strangers. Except for helping them improve their thinking and social skills, play can also teach children to be more open and express their needs, desires, likes and dislikes. Through play, they can express how they feel in certain situations and circumstances that are not familiar to them.