The Importance of Pretending in Children

As long as there have been children in this world, there has been pretending. There has also been an abundant amount of studies done to understand why children pretend, and whether there are benefits from pretending or not. The general conclusion seems to be that pretending is a normal and healthy activity that children engage in when they begin to understand their surroundings.

Studies show that when a little girl is playing "house" with her dolls, she is showing that she understands what her own parents do to care for her. You will notice, if you silently watch her play, she will often comfort her baby when it cries by holding it, rocking it, feeding it and even changing its diaper. The little girl is mimicking her parents and showing that she understands how to comfort a baby even if she is still to small to actually comfort a real baby. This is a good way for her to develop her future skills as a parent, when she grows up.

A little boy playing with blocks often transforms a pile of blocks into a large building. He is demonstrating that he understands that things must be built and are not just "there". He is also developing his hand-eye coordination as well as his imagination.

A child may demonstrate his or her understanding of conflict and resolution by pretending that two or more of his or her stuffed animals are arguing. If you watch how your child helps resolve this imaginary dispute, you could learn whether or not your child needs help in learning the best way to approach such a conflict. This is also demonstrating that the child has an insight to cause and effect. This animal said or did this and because of that, this animal reacted this way. Your child is developing his or her social skills in this way.

A child may even use pretend play to express his or her emotions. You may see your child acting out something that happened in his or her life that is troubling to him or her, or maybe acting out a happy moment. This is a way for that child to learn how to deal with emotions in a healthy way. A child who is a victim of abuse will often demonstrate what happened with dolls before he or she will verbally tell some one what happened.

Children often pretend to be animals. Doing this, they show that they understand the different noises that animals make as well as other traits that animals have that vary from humans. A child may act like a playful puppy, or a giant elephant. Whatever the case, they are learning about animals and their behavior.

A child pretending to go grocery shopping and paying for the groceries, understands the concept of money. This child may not understand monetary denominations, but she understands that we pay for groceries. She knows that groceries do not magically appear, someone has to buy them.

There is evidence that suggests that pretend play is necessary for children to learn every day skills that they will need in life. There is also evidence proving that children who engage in pretend play tend to understand better and take tests in a more effective manner. Also, it has been proven that children who pretend play before they begin school tend to adjust better socially.With this in mind, pretend play in a very important part of childhood and should be encouraged.
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