Play in general is great for learning. Imaginative or pretend play benefits your child in every area of development, from cognitive to physical to social/emotional.

Pretend play doesn’t have to be an elaborate affair. There are plenty of opportunities for you and your child to pretend every day:

• When you’re driving to the grocery store, pretend the car is a plane or spaceship headed into the sky.
• Pretend you’re explorers while going for a walk.
• Use dolls, hand puppets or any household objects to set a scene and tell a story.

See also ...

• How pretend play builds critical skills

Disclaimer: This page is not intended to provide medical advice about your child. Always seek the advice of a physician, qualified healthcare provider or child-development specialist with any questions you have about your child's health, medical condition or development. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you read here.