Kayleen is serving tea and muffins to Oscar the Grouch while sporting a faded felt snowman hat. Not too far away, C.J. is holding a baby doll and gently taking her temperature with a big plastic thermometer. What do these two year olds have in common? Theyre both engaging in the time-less activity of make-believe play.
Through make-believe, young children learn about themselves and the world around them. Little babies playing pat-a-cake are making believe. Depending on the age of the child, their role playing games will vary. Imaginative children dont need fancy toys or equipment to pretend; theyre happy with a box and a toilet tissue roll. When they engage in pretend play with a variety of objects, theyre learning life skills that will help them as adults.
Weve all watched little kids playing dress-up or house. Children can create an imaginary world anywhere when molding clay animals, when helping mom or dad match-up socks (sock puppets are the best after all.) If theyre this creative with just a sock, then think what they can do with special make-believe props.
Often parents feel that their children require expensive furniture and household equipment...