Embracing Pretend Play as a Parent

It isn’t always easy for parents to break out of their adult minds and embrace play with their children. Take a jump into the fun and embrace pretend play as a parent.

Disclaimer: This post was created in collaboration with PlayMonster. All opinions are my own.

Pretend play isn’t as easy for adults as it was when we were children. Our imaginations don’t come so natural as our minds are often filled with never ending to do lists. To pause all the worries in our minds and focus on pure fun isn’t something that comes naturally, we really have to work at it. Therefore, you can imagine when it comes to embracing pretend play as a parent it doesn’t come naturally either. For some parents, pretend play with our children can be really hard.

Pretend Play

Pretend play is the way children explore the world around them. Many times, they act out in play the big life changes they are encountering or things they face in their everyday life. Through pretend play children learn how to interact with different people and situations. This imaginative play is a big part of them learning and developing skills they will need throughout life.

While children can, and often do, engage in pretend play without the help of any of us, it means a lot to them when we can enter their world. As their parents, when we can jump into their world of imagination and make it come alive, even for just ten minutes, it leaves a lasting impression on our children.

PlayMonster

PlayMonster recognizes the power that toys and games have to make a difference in the lives of people. When they design toys and games, they aren’t just designing and object, they’re designing an experience. If their toys have great play value, it creates endless interaction and inspires continual play. In other words, they’re in the business of fun. They know that play makes a difference.

In their toys and games you will see the opportunity for endless play. Where pretend play can be challenging for parents, they’re actively working to keep play alive for all ages. Their toys give the possibility for parents to jump right in and embrace pretend play with their kids. Anything is possible!

Embracing Play as a Parent

It’s okay if you need a little help getting there, I will admit, it doesn’t come so naturally to me either. Putting aside everything on my to do list and making way for imagination takes a lot of brain power. It’s okay if you need a few helpful tips to embrace play as a parent.

Set a Timer

Maybe the to do list is just too overwhelming, so set a timer. Maybe you set a timer and tackle one task and then clear your mind to play with your kids for fifteen minutes. Or maybe you push aside the to do list knowing you can come back in fifteen minutes and engage with your children. Don’t feel bad if all you can give is 10…15…or 20 minutes. Your quality time makes a difference.

Find Toys and Games that Help Engage Imagination

Maybe you can’t imagine without something to go off, so find toys that offer open ended play or help you engage with your children. Whether it’s a toy that offers the opportunity to engage in pretend play, or a game that gets you involved with your kids, find what works!

Start Somewhere…say YES!

Sometimes all you need to do is say yes!! Sometimes getting on the floor with your kids can be the perfect antidote to a long day. You won’t ever regret the times you say yes to play!