When we watch children play, we can see how much fun they are having. Play seems like a good way for children to pass the time. But children are doing more than just having fun. Through my research and practice, I’ve learned that pretend play helps children in so many ways. When children pretend in play, they are making-up stories. They are using toys to be many different things (a block can be a telephone). They create stories that have action and problems. As Jerome Singer (an expert in play from Yale University) points out, they are really practicing with thinking creatively. And this practice, in the safe and fun vehicle of pretend play, helps them develop important creative abilities.
Pretend play helps children to think of many different ideas instead of just a few. Children also express all kinds of emotions in play (happy, sad, angry, afraid). Play helps children learn to process, manage, and regulate their emotions. Children rehearse different ways of handling problems in play and learn ways to better cope with life’s stressors. And play helps children understand other people’s point of view. It is often said that play is children’s work. But this work involves having a good time. Adults can learn from them.