What are the benefits of imaginative play

Introduction

There is a little advice on how to achieve something that every parent dreams about; hoe to encourage your children to play meaningfully, instead just to sit for hours in front of some video game or TV. Basically, all children games prior to 70’, era of video beginning are design to promote some or other skill; social, intellectual and emotional. So when you see a little girl having imagined tea party or a little boy pretending to be a superhero, that is not just the game, and there is more there than meets the eye.

Pretend games require serious ability in children to transform surrounding objects and their actions symbolically, to improvise and to lead negotiations, role playing and social dialogues. When it comes to choosing the activities, many parents considers sports, music or academic enrichment programs.

And they are partially right, because those activities are important in child’s growth and development. But studies are showed beyond any doubt the imaginative games are the most important ones, either for school preparation or in skill developments, especially in children of age group from 3 to 10 years.

Emotional Environment Support

Role playing and other imaginative games allow children to explore their feelings, and when pretend to encounter monster under the bed, it really means that they try to gain control over the situation. Playing doctor with dolls or pets boosts empathy and other imaginative games help children to deal with more confusing feelings like frustration, anger or jealousy.

Social Skills Promoting

When children play any of interactive games the practice their social skills and roles, and various ways of interaction. In process of playing the practice to listen to somebody else, sharing, taking turns, give and take and negotiating. When children are playing school, it is excellent way fro them to learn to deal with authority. When the girl is playing princess, she must learn how not to lose any of the playmates and how to rule over them without anybody getting angry.

Building of Self Confidence

Because children do not control anything in their daily activities, playing the role of someone adult or responsible for something like astronaut, is excellent way fro them to boost their self confidence and confidence in their abilities and their potential.

Language and Communication Skills Development

When children play imaginary games, there is much to be explained to others, because lot of it is imaginary. Explaining to others your game ideas is excellent way to promote children’s communication skills and expand vocabulary.