iSpeech

“And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.” Zechariah 8:5

Your son often imagines himself as superman, he just wants to take a wrapper, tie the two ends around his neck and fly from one chair to another in your sitting room and keeps insisting he should be called superman. She wants to be Babie and dress up in fine clothes. The children want to play-act the roles of mummy and daddy. Pretended play is common with children as they gain an understanding of the case for make-believe. Using their imagination lets them try out different roles. They often follow through with scenarios they create in their imagination.

“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” Colossians 3:21

PLAN FOR PLAYTIME – Rather than filling up every time with activity, give your child the time and space to create their own play. It helps build their creativity. When they set up a play corner, kitchen, or when they act out the role of mums and dads. It is nice to allow them to be creative.

STICK WITH SIMPLE TOYS – Playthings that chirp, beep, move at the press of a button, impede creativity and the imagination of the child. Toys like the one above take away imaginative /creative reasoning. Choose items such as simple puzzle games, games like legos that can be assembled, re-dislodged and reassembled, stuffed animals and dolls.

JOIN YOUR CHILD - Feel free to join your child's play. But allow them to take the lead. That way it is more fun and creates a special bond.

READ AND TELL STORIES – Children's books are excellent for children's pretend play. Books introduce them to new characters. They also teach the child how a narrative is structured. It's common for kids of this age to want to read a book over and over again. As you read to them, ask questions and get them to participate. Children love it too when you make up your own stories even if you've told it before, they want to hear it over and over again. A little dramatization makes it fun and more interesting and also brings the characters to life.

CHILDREN LOVE ARTWORKS – So stock up on art supplies like paints, cardboards, colors pencils, drawing books. Let your children express his or her creative imagination. Children love to draw and paint and it gives you a little free time when you're not joining them.

NEVER PIGEONHOLE YOUR CHILDREN – Just because your child isn't partial to dramatic play doesn't mean he lacks imagination. Always provide a nurturing environment for all types of pretend play.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4