You might assume that the younger your child is, the more pretend play appeals to them. However, the ability and desire to make believe happens in stages and builds over time. 🧠 Research from Stanford University and the University of San Francisco notes that sophisticated cognitive skills are required for children to understand the concept of creating an imaginary scenario separate from but within reality. A study from the University of Miami found that among many children stages of independent play develop in this order: 1. Reality-based play 2. Pretend play with objects 3. Pretend play as different characters or people 💖 Our Play Kits introduce imagination-based play in stages that parallel your child’s cognitive capabilities. For example, we offer the Storytelling Puppet Set and Puppet Theater & Fort Covers, which are featured in this video from @Aqsa, for 3-year-olds, because children typically develop the ability to pretend they’re someone or something else between 3 and 4 years of age. 💙 Why encourage your little one to make believe? Pretend play is a forum for your child to practice social-emotional skills, language, creativity, and problem-solving. ✨#ToddlerTok #Parenting #Lovevery #JoyfulPlay #ToddlerLife #Momlife #Parenthood