Why Pretend Play is the Secret Superpower Your Child Needs for Future Success (Backed by Science!)

Have you ever wondered why kids spend so much time pretending? Whether they’re playing house, imagining they’re superheroes, or having parties turning their favourite basics into costumes with their beloved stuffies, pretend play is more than just fun and games - it’s a critical part of their development. According to David Bjorklund, a researcher who recently published a study in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews (2024), pretend play and the long period of childhood dependency are key to understanding how children grow and learn. His findings have some important takeaways for parents when it comes to how we should think about how kids learn.

Why Kids Need More Time to Be Kids

Humans are unique in the animal world because our littles stay dependent on adults for a lot longer than other species. Think about it: while some animals are out in the world on their own within months, human children have years (ahem, decades) of growing, playing, and learning before they’re expected to fend for themselves. This extended childhood isn’t just about survival—it’s about giving kids the time they need to develop complex skills like problem-solving, communication, and social interactions.

Pretend play is a huge part of this learning process. When your child engages in imaginative play, they’re not just having fun - they’re practicing for real life. They’re exploring social roles, figuring out how to solve problems, and learning to regulate their emotions. This is exactly why Bjorklund believes that childhood is naturally designed to be a time focused on play - not focused on academic achievement.

Pretend Play: A Mini Rehearsal for Life

So, what’s the big deal about pretend play? So get this: it’s a crucial evolutionary tool. When kids pretend, they’re essentially running through different scenarios they might face in the future - without any real-life consequences. Whether they’re pretending to be doctors, astronauts, or even superheroes, they’re learning to think creatively and practice skills like empathy, teamwork, and negotiation.

Think of it this way: pretend play is like a safe space for kids to experiment with the world around them. They can practice grownup roles, solve imaginary problems, and learn to see things from different perspectives. These are all important abilities that serve them well as they grow up.

Why Childhood Lasts Longer in Humans

The research shows that humans evolved to have a long childhood so we could take our time learning complex things, like language, social rules, and how to live in a society. Other animals also play, but our kids play in a way that’s more varied and imaginative. They need this time to become well-rounded adults who can handle the complexities of modern life.

When we think about early education, it’s important to remember this: rushing kids into academic milestones before they’re ready can actually go against what nature intended. Kids need time to play, explore, and learn at their own pace.

What Does This Mean for Early Education?

For parents, the key takeaway from Bjorklund’s research is that play—especially pretend play—should be seen as an essential part of learning, not just something kids do when they’re not working on academics. In fact, focusing too much on early academic success might take away from the natural, playful learning process that’s so important for your child’s development.

You want to put your kids in and create environments that encourage them to use their imaginations, work together, and think creatively. When kids are given the freedom to play, they develop important life skills like communication, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. These are building blocks for later success, both in school and in life.

How Can You Support Your Little’s Learning?

As a parent, you play a crucial role in supporting your child’s natural development. Here are a few tips:

• Encourage imaginative play: Let your kiddo take the lead when they play. Whether they’re dressing up, pretending to cook, or building imaginary worlds, they’re learning important life skills.

• Create a balance: While academics are important, make sure your child has plenty of time to play. It’s during play that they practice problem-solving and social skills in a fun and relaxed way.

• Let them explore: Give your child space to figure things out on their own. When kids pretend and play independently, they build confidence in their ability to navigate the world.

• Be patient with development: Every child develops at their own pace. Trust that through play and exploration, your child is learning and growing, even if it doesn’t look like traditional “schoolwork.”

Wrapping It Up

Kids are naturally wired to learn through play. Instead of rushing to meet benchmarks, we need to remember that pretend play and a long childhood are essential for developing the social, emotional, and cognitive skills kids need. By creating an environment where play is valued, we’re not only helping children thrive today - we’re setting them up a more balanced future.

So the next time your child invites you to a make-believe tea party or asks you to play caped avengers, remember: they’re not just playing. They’re learning how to think, feel, and be in the world. And that’s some of the most important work they can do.