Many children like to explore the different types of pretend play. This can start from an incredibly young age, and be done both independently, as well as with others. This can help your child to explore the world around them, gain an understanding of different roles within life, and also develop their creativity and imagination. Allowing them to engage in pretend play can also benefit you, as a parent, as it allows you to watch and learn the way your child sees the world, and can even potentially give you an insight into the type of person they might grow up to become.
Playing Nurse
A lot of children enjoy playing doctors and nurses. This could show just how much of a caring nature your child has. Many children who enjoy acting out the role of a nurse, looking after their patients, and making sure illness goes away could very well end up applying to nursing school one day. Considering the importance of nurses within society, this is a career path that you may want to nurture. A child might also play nurse frequently if there has been an illness within the family, showing their level of understanding about what has happened, as well as a willingness to do their part to try and make it better.
Playing Vet
Even though children are genetically wired to form attachments to parents, guardians, and others who will help them survive, many children also form incredibly strong bonds with their pets and other animals. Those who enjoy playing as a vet, or another role that incorporates animals, may have an innate desire to help vulnerable creatures and make them better. While it can be harmless when they get their favorite plushies involved to administer pretend medicine or wrap up in bandages, it is important that you make sure they are not attempting to do the same with any actual pets in the household, as this could lead to injury, both for the animal itself and to your child if the pet were to react.
Playing House
When a child watches their parents or caregivers interact with both themselves and siblings, the behaviors they see can be imitated when playing house. One of the benefits of this type of play is that a child may unknowingly show signs of abuse in their own household, such as threatening or violent behavior, which can lead to help stepping in that much sooner. Pay close attention to your child’s friends when they play, as any questionable behavior should be reported to their school or a health worker, in case there are problems at home. In addition to this, playing house can also be a great way for children to learn about compassion, as well as act as practice for any upcoming siblings, or even their own future child.
Playing pretend, and other acts that involve the use of imagination, can be great for a child’s development. They can also be used to improve social skills, and enable children to form long-lasting friendships through shared interests, even from an early age.
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