Kids will assume all sorts of magical identities and roles at this stage, from action heroes to kings and queens. Pretend play can help a child understand important events in his or her life. Pretend play can help a child feel in control of their own world. In real life, parents decide when a child should eat, bathe and go to bed. A child who engages in pretend play is the master of his own destiny, whether he's an action hero or a cowboy.
Children make their own decisions when they pretend.
Pretend play can prepare children for real-life changes such as a new baby or moving. It helps children learn to master these changes through pretend play, where he can gain confidence to tackle the event in real life. Imaginary friends, another aspect of pretend play, can serve a variety of purposes. These invisible pals provide a source of comfort and companionship when a new sibling is born or a real friend moves away. However, parents must reiterate the difference between fantasy and reality if a problem arises that involves a child's imaginative life.