The Value of Pretend Play

Children have incredible imaginations. If the game requires it, a simple stick can serve as a sword, a wand, or a galloping horse. Two children can assume roles as a doctor and patient, princess and prince, or a pair of intrepid explorers. These types of games that utilize the child’s imagination are often referred to as pretend play. Science has demonstrated that these games are actually hugely beneficial for childhood brain development.

As our Pretend Play infographic notes, Pretend Play helps children to improve their working memory as they remember which character they’re embodying and what has occurred in their play already. They practice stopping and thinking before acting, as they consider what their assigned character would do in a particular situation. Additionally, children must learn to follow instructions if it is someone else’s turn to direct the play. If the game isn’t progressing as a child hopes, or a playmate isn’t cooperating, he or she practices emotional control and self-regulation. Further, as children engage in imaginative play, they also learn to interact with others and solve problems, skills that are critically important in real-life scenarios.

Pretend Play is surprisingly simple! A stick, box, or magazine can become the centerpiece for a whole story. For inspiration watch “Not a Stick” - a creative story about Pretend Play.

We encourage you to join your child, take turns directing the narrative, and build brains as you play!