Happyland Fosters Important Life Skills ~ The Bub Cafe

A number of recent psychological studies have shown that pretend play---whether with Mum, Dad, Nana, siblings or mates---better prepares our children for life in the real world.

During pretend play our children grasp and learn important life skills such as how to share with others, empathy and how to consider other people's feelings, the consequences of their own actions and those of others, the different roles in life and the associated responsibilities, as well as a multitude of other vital life skills.

In our modern, high-tech, gadget-mad society the importance of making time with your child for such imaginative play has never been more important. My son is almost three, and while he certainly loves to dance with the Wiggles on tellie or watch Elmo and his monster pals learn about the alphabet and numbers, my little darling's all-time favorite activity is playing with his Happyland playsets and people. Being a toddler, he is still in the stage of wanting Mummy to join in the fun, but he will set up his little people figures in their cars and race around pretending they are fireries saving the day or perhaps a little pig is lost and needs the village folk to help the farmer go look for him. Its sweet and amusing to watch, even more fun to engage with him this way, but by far, it's more amazing to step back and let his little creative brain develop and explore different scenarios and role play.

Sadly, some parents tend to minimize the value of pretend play time in favour of high-tech conveniences such as tellie or gadget-based entertainment. While these work well while on-the-go, play time has a significant impact on child development.

If childern have the right play toys, pretend play can help them learn and develop the following benefits:

Children can use their imagination to begin to practice and experiment with the results of their actions.
Children learn to express real-world emotions, both positive and negative, and explore the repercussions.
Imaginative play even helps children define their own identities as they take on the roles of their parents.
Taking on imaginary roles helps children to feel a greater significance, which builds their self-esteem.
Imaginative play allows children to experience a greater sense of control over their own lives.
Imaginative play allows children to exercise creative thinking.

So make some time today to get down on the floor, lug out your child's little people figures and start inspiring imaginary play. It's quality time well spent.

What is your child's favorite form of imaginary play? Is it dress up? Making a cave with his sheets? Or making morning tea for her dollie house? We'd love to hear your experiences below: