Pretend play is crucial for child development. When a child is pretending to be someone else, they are fostering imagination, creativity, inhibitory control, problem-solving skills, and social understanding. Through role-playing, children develop empathy, emotional regulation, language skills, and even early STEM thinking.

• Try asking families if they have costumes or dress up clothes in the house. Remind them that any everyday object (like pots and pans, brooms or your clothes) can be used for dress up.
• Let parents know that when kids are pretending, they are working the same muscles that help them learn to sit still, pay attention, and get along with others.