Pretend play, also known as imaginative play, evolves as children grow — from acting out basic scenarios with toys to creating complex fantasy worlds. It also provides a powerful and fun make-believe context for children to express their creativity and develop social and emotional skills.

This week at childmind.org, we’re looking at the potential benefits of pretend play, which allows kids to practice social and problem-solving skills. And because playing pretend lets kids engage with their feelings — maybe they decide to comfort their crying baby doll or growl like an angry monster — we’re also sharing other resources about learning to manage intense emotions and self-regulate. Getting outside and away from screens can help encourage creative activity, as can giving kids more unstructured time. And for kids who complain about being bored, we have tips for jump-starting pretend play when they aren’t sure where to start.

— Molly Hagan, Staff Writer | ✉