Children have huge imaginations, and diving into them can lead to better emotional regulation.

If a child playing pretend makes a mistake counting or naming things, don’t interrupt to correct them. Follow the child’s ...

Better pretend play in toddlers links to fewer emotional problems later, and this connection is not explained by emotional ...

Pretend play isn’t just fun—it’s a powerful tool for your child’s growth. Studies show it can boost language, social skills, and even long-term mental health. The best part? You don’t need fancy ...

Can pretend play prevent childhood anxiety? Research finds that imaginative toddlers have fewer behavioral issues in primary school.

Many people often think of play in the form of images of young children at recess engaging in games of tag, ball, using slides, swings, and physically exploring their environments. But physical play ...

“Let’s pretend to be…” is commonly heard from young children as they play and interact at school, daycare, or at home. Many adults encourage imagination and creativity but others are afraid that ...

When a child turns a cardboard box into a spaceship, or a stick into a magic wand, it may look like simple fun. But beneath the giggles and dramatic voices, something far more powerful may be ...

A University of Sydney study of more than 1,400 Australian children found that toddlers with strong pretend play skills are less likely to develop emotional or behavioral issues by primary school. The ...

Children who demonstrate pretend play ability as toddlers have significantly fewer emotional and behavioral difficulties at ...