How to Play Pretend Games With a Child

Childhood has gone high-tech. Generations ago, kids would delight in playing pretend games like "house" and "cops and robbers," but for most children today, video games and television shows have taken the place of imaginative play. That doesn't mean your kids can't enjoy the thrill of saying, "You're under arrest, Mommy!" Here's how to play pretend games with a child.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Play "House." One player is the mother, another is the father and others play babies or children. Let your kids pick their roles--they might want to be the parents while giving you the role of baby. The game is open-ended. Let them direct the story and decide how the characters will interact.
2. Play "Cops and Robbers." This imaginative play game requires at least one player to be a police officer and the other to be a criminal. The police officer tries to catch the criminal and put him or her in jail. You can have a "no guns" play rule and still enjoy this game.
3. Have fun acting out different jobs. Your child can be a waitress and take your order, then serve you pretend or imaginary food. "Bus Driver" is a fun game for kids who want to pretend they are driving, or are different, eccentric characters boarding the bus. "School" allows preschoolers and kindergarteners to take on the role of teacher.
4. Allow your child to shape games around her favorite characters. She might want to pretend to be a princess, superhero, doctor or even a pet. Encourage all of these pretend games and act out the role of the supporting character. If she's a veterinarian, be the dog with the injured paw.
5. Encourage your children to be imaginative, whatever games they choose. This is not a good time to censor their games--if your son wants to be a waiter who serves unhealthy food, save the lessons on proper nutrition for dinnertime. Feeling free to explore is what makes pretend games so fun--and so enriching.

Tips & Warnings

• Costumes and props aren't necessary, but can make pretend games more fun. Tying a pillow case around your daughter's waist can transform her into a waitress, while the same pillow case tucked into a collar turns your son into a superhero wearing a cape.