Think back to when you were just a child yourself, and imagination was all around you. You might have played pirates at the playground, where slippery slides and wood chips-covered ground were really grand vessels and open ocean. Maybe you and your sister were princesses hosting tea parties for your closest subjects (beloved dolls and stuffies) in your grand hall (bedroom).

As adults, it can be easy to forget just how important imagination is. Yet, we continue to use this childhood-learned skill in our daily lives. We problem-solve at work. We imagine the stories we read. We create stories, art and more. 

Teaching our little ones to hone their imagination is a gift for us to practice and one that can serve them for a lifetime of discovery.

Why is imagination important for young children?

Imagination is about more than fun! It serves as a foundation for your child’s growth and development. From improving cognitive skills and teaching emotional regulation, we witness the magic of imagination every day in our Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms. 

Young children are naturally called to imagination, after all, with the preschool years notably one of the most important times for developing this skill. A stick may become a sword or a magic wand. A box is now a rocket ship. 

This is “symbolic thought,” or the ability to use words, images and actions to represent other concepts and ideas. According to scientists, it’s evidence that imagination is part of our very DNA.

In this “preoperational stage,” coined by developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, these seemingly silly acts are a major milestone for children, often developing around 18 months old.

With practice, imagination quickly builds to so much more.

What’s really happening when your child plays pretend?

When children dive into imagination, there’s far more happening than meets the eye. What may look like simple silliness or make-believe is actually helping your child grow in meaningful and lasting ways.

1. Pretend play helps build problem-solving and critical thinking.

Playing pretend encourages children to think creatively, solve problems and work through challenges independently. Whether they’re building a fort or deciding who gets to be the “teacher,” children are constantly learning how to communicate ideas, make decisions and adapt when things don’t go as planned. These moments help children build confidence in their ability to figure things out.

2. Children learn how to manage big emotions.

Children often process feelings through play before they’re able to fully explain them with words. For example, a child pretending to give stuffed animals checkups after a doctor’s appointment may actually be working through real emotions in a way that feels safe and manageable. Play gives children room to express themselves, build confidence and slowly learn how to handle big feelings.

3. Imagination introduces new works and early literacy skills.

Listen closely during pretend play, and you’ll hear some incredible growth in their conversations. Along the way, they will experiment with new words and ideas. A pretend restaurant suddenly introduces words like “menu” and “recipe,” while a made-up adventure helps children learn how stories unfold from beginning to end.

4. Little ones practice empathy and social skills.

Imaginative play rarely follows a perfect script. What matters most is how children learn to evolve with the wants and needs of others. One child may want to be a veterinarian while another wants to care for the animals. Together, they learn how to collaborate. These shared experiences help children practice empathy and see things from others’ perspectives.

5. They grow in confidence and independence, too.

One of the most beautiful parts of imaginative play is that children lead the experience themselves. They create the stories, make the rules and guide the adventure, which helps build confidence, independence and trust in their own ideas. 

Imagine the possibilities at Children’s Discovery Center!

From infant care and preschool education to our kindergarten Discovery School, Children’s Discovery Center is ready to help your child succeed. Contact us today to speak with our certified educators and schedule a visit to one of our five Toledo-area childcare centers.