When Kids are Playing Pretend: Why Do They Tell Each Other What to Say?

Pretend play is a critical component of child development, offering numerous benefits and opportunities for learning. One intriguing aspect of pretend play is the tendency of children to guide each other in terms of dialogue. This behavior can be attributed to several factors, including role negotiation, creativity and imagination, social skills development, and confidence building.

Role Negotiation

Role negotiation is a fundamental aspect of pretend play. By suggesting lines or actions, children clarify their roles within the scenario. This negotiation helps establish the dynamics of the game, allowing each player to understand their part and the expectations of the play scenario.

Creativity and Imagination

Creativity and imagination are also enhanced through pretend play. Children use suggestions and ideas to build a richer narrative. This collaborative creativity helps to enrich the play experience and develop new ideas and perspectives.

Developing Social Skills

The interaction during pretend play fosters the development of essential social skills such as communication, cooperation, and negotiation. By directing dialogue, children learn to work together to create a shared story, which is a valuable social skill.

Building Confidence and Comfort

Younger children might feel more comfortable with prompts or suggestions, especially if they are unsure about what to say. These prompts can help them engage more confidently in their roles, leading to a more enriching play experience. Additionally, when children feel more comfortable, they are more likely to participate fully in the play scenario.

Learning and Practice

Pretend play is also a practical way for children to practice language skills and learn new vocabulary. Suggesting lines allows them to practice and expand their language use, preparing them for real-life communication challenges.

Play Therapy utilizes pretend play as a valuable tool. It is particularly beneficial for children who need stress relief, a boost in creativity and imagination, and support in problem-solving skills. Many therapists and teachers use pretend play to observe and understand a child's personality traits and characteristics. For instance, children who naturally lead tend to have more dominant personalities, while those who follow are often more rule-abiding and patient.

Some children are comfortable playing in groups, while others prefer solitude. When two children naturally want to play together, it indicates a social skill in terms of socializing. They form a bond where one takes the lead and the other follows. This dynamic can inspire us to explore different aspects of their personalities, such as:

Leaders: Typically have dominant characters and enjoy manipulating, planning, and creating both positive and negative scenarios. Followers: Often have the ability to obey rules, be patient, and tolerant, and are good at modeling or modifying situations.

Many schools incorporate “learn-through-play” activities to facilitate these social and communicative skills. Engaging in pretend play not only enhances children's creativity and language skills but also helps them develop social and emotional maturity.

Celebrate the joy and development in every session of pretend play and encourage children to explore their roles and interactions in a safe and nurturing environment.