Tell your Story: Why Imaginative Play is Important for your Child's Development By Writer and Contributor Annamarie von Firley
Tell your Story: Why Imaginative Play is Important for your Child's Development By Writer and Contributor Annamarie von Firley
Picture this: your little one dons a cape, wields a cardboard sword, and fearlessly charges into battle against imaginary dragons. Or perhaps, they transform into a master chef, whipping up delectable dishes using mud and leaves. As bewildering as these scenarios may seem, they are no mere flights of fancy. Welcome to the enchanting realm of imaginative play – where creativity knows no bounds, and your child's development takes center stage!
Now, before we journey further into this fantastical world, let's establish that we aren't just cooking up tails out of thin air. No, way! This article is backed by cutting edge research from the realm of science itself. Studies have shown that imaginative play, also known as pretend play or fantasy play, is a superpower in your child's development. So, gather around, and let's embark on this adventure of knowledge with a pinch of humor and sprinkle of whimsy!
1. Captain Curious and the Brain Boosters: Our mini superheroes aren't just using their capes to fight crime; They're also flexing their brain muscles. According to The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Childhood Cognitive Development (Pretend Play and Cognitive Development), children engaged in imaginative play demonstrate enhanced problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and cognitive flexibility. They learned to adapt to various scenarios, much like the chameleon changes colors, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Your aspiring hero can have the ability to save the world at their fingertips with this charming set of fair-trade knit finger puppets from Peru.
https://www.adventuretowntoys.com/fingerpuppets-superhero.html
2. The Theater of Emotions: As the great Shakespeare once said, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women are merely players.” And he wasn't far off! When kids delve into imaginative play, they delve into a world of emotions. In the book, Children, Play and Development by Fergus Hughes, it was revealed that children use pretend play to express and understand their feelings, fears, and desires. So, when your little one sobs because their teddy bear is “hurt,” rest assured they're honing their emotional intelligence and empathy skills.
Speaking of theatres, your little one’s imagination can take center stage with this adorable Ballerina Mouse with wardrobe from France.
https://www.adventuretowntoys.com/ballerina-mouse-wardrobe.html
3. Future CEO's and Collaborators: Who says business tycoons and team players aren't born on the playground? Imaginative play fosters social development like no other. A research article in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology (The Effects of Fantastical Pretend play on the Development of Executive Functions: An Intervention Study) showed that children engaged in imaginative play develop superior executive functioning skills. They learn to plan, negotiate, and cooperate with their fellow adventurers, all while having a laugh. A future CEO in the making? It's possible!
Your budding entrepreneur can hone their business acumen on the go with this tuck-away Bistro in a Box.
4. A Cure for the Dullness of Adulthood: Ever wish for the days when time travel was as easy as hopping in on a cardboard box and yelling, “Warp speed, Mr. Fuzzykins!”? Well, those whimsical times aren't just for children. imaginative play can help us grown-ups too! Research published in Psychological Reports (Adult Playfulness, Humor Styles, and Subjective Happiness) found that adults who engage in playful activities experience reduced stress levels, increased happiness, and youthful spring in their step. So, don't be shy to let your inner child out for a play date once in a while!
Watch your child’s imagination blossom on the big screen with this French cinema set with 35 projectable story disk, tickets, and customizable movie posters. Finally, screentime that every parent approves of.
https://www.adventuretowntoys.com/deluxe-cinema-collection-32-stories.html
In conclusion, imaginative play is the elixir of growth for your child. It stimulates their creativity, nurtures their emotional intelligence, and molds them into collaborative geniuses. As a wise person once said, “Play is the highest form of research,” and we're pretty sure that wise person was a kid at heart. So, let your little ones don their superhero capes and chef hats, and watch them conquer the world one play scenario at a time.
References:
1. Lillard, A.S., Pinkham, A.M. and Smith, E., 2011. Pretend Play and Cognitive Development. The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Childhood Cognitive Development, 32, p.285.
2. Hughes, Fergus P. Children, Play, and Development. SAGE publications, 2021.
3. Thibodeau, Rachel B., et al. "The Effects of Fantastical Pretend-play on the Development of Executive Functions: An Intervention Study." Journal of Experimental Child Psychology 145, 2016: 120-138.
4. Yue, X. D., Leung, C.-L., & Hiranandani, N. A., 2016. Adult Playfulness, Humor Styles, and Subjective Happiness. Psychological Reports, 119(3), 630–640. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033294116662842
Bio:
Annamarie von Firley is the President of the beloved Adventuretown Toy Emporium located in Los Angeles. She has a BFA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction from Hampshire College and BFA in Furniture Design from California College of the Arts She was the cofounder and designer of the revered reproduction vintage clothing store, reVamp, for 20 years. Her handiwork has been seen on Broadway and major motion pictures, as well as in the Smithsonian.
