Children around the age of 3 start to develop imaginary play. At this age, children will enjoy role playing in pretend play. Children can create their own interpretation of what is happening. Encouraging this type of play is important as children develop vocabulary, understanding of others, problem solving, social and emotional strengthening, imagination and self-esteem. Parents at home should join into these types of play as it brings your relationship with your child closer and you begin to understand your child more as well.
When joining this type of play, it is a great time to teach positive behavior and simple lessons. Children do not feel the pressure of a request or demand if “someone else” is the one having to learn it. Modeling positive behavior during play allows your child to learn and absorb information in a non-stressful way.
Since children’s imagination grows at this developmental stage, parents often are concerned whether their child is telling the truth or not. Children at this stage are still learning to decipher information, however they also figure out that adults don’t know everything and may veer from the truth. If that’s the case, explain to your child the importance of telling the truth. Some children get quite engrossed in imaginative play and sometimes will say things that are not happening in the “real” world. You know your child best and would know if something is wrong and needs addressing. Overall, imaginative play is vital to a healthy development in young children.
