Pretend Play~Great Exercise for the Body and Soul

Dress-Up Can Teach Kids to be Good Humans "Trying on other mindsets and character traits lets the pretender experience feelings that they might not experience otherwise," Golani says. 

Why Kids Love to Play Dress-Up
"Literally walking in other people's shoes may give kids valuable experience in, um, walking in other people's shoes. In fact, studies have linked role-play to empathy: Kids who engaged in it were more skilled in judging how other people might feel than those who didn't."

Who knew:?) I thought kids were simply having fun! This kid is apparantly on his way to an African Safari and ready to lead his animal friends on an exciting run through the jungle, two times around! And believe it or not, before changing costumes, he just finished a harrowing escape from the bad guys as he and his Super Hero friends rescued three innocent kids from the BG's clutches. Whew! Pretend play can be quite an exercise for the imagination!!! 

Virtual hugs, 

Bubbie and her Grandbabies

To Pretend City or Bust

"We build better brains at Pretend City Children's Museum"
After reading this,  I decided I'd better take in as much as I can, since I'm not getting any younger! But for this youngster, without any effort, the learning kicked into high gear from the moment we stepped through their doors, until the need to bribe him to leave. With so much to do, his first decision was where to start. It wasn't too tough to come up with an answer once he spotted a police jacket, hat and car. The outfit stayed on throughout his visiting and working in their store, restaurant, garden, and even performing on stage. What a blast he had!  More visits will be coming up in order to explore some more of this beautifully designed play experience.
Although I've been to many great please-touch-me museums over the years, this one has impressed me the most and surely has left a lasting impression on my grand baby! We'll be back!!!
Pretend City Children's Museum
Please share your experiences to museums with your kids and/or grandkids. Always looking for more ideas.
Thanks,
Bubbie and her Grandbabies

At Your Service

Yeah, I'll have one of those scrumptious pink, plastic, ice cream scoops, and a bag of waxed fries...so sorry...I mean a number one meal with a vanilla shake! Oh, the goodies you'll be served at this McDonald's is beyond belief. This three year old can keep up with the best of 'em! He's hard working, attentive to detail, and doesn't skimp on product. I think he's ready for the next step!...Bubbie's kitchen! Filled with ingredients for a good old fashioned ice cream soda and plenty of wet wipes on the side!
Stop by anytime. Hours of operation are dependent on naps :)
Comments always welcome!
Bubbie and her Grand Babies
Pretend Play 
"Pretend play serves many purposes and helps to push the boundaries of play.
The imagination of a child is priceless. Pretend play is a thinking skill."
How Children Benefit From Pretend Play

Playing Dress-Up

"Believe it or not, dress-up play is vital to a child’s development. According to licensed child psychologist Dr. Laurie Zelinger, “It fosters the imaginative processes, and allows for play without rules or script. Dress up allows for experimentation, role play and fantasy. "
...With hats on and Jude's imagination in full gear, Jude and his pal Woody,  just spent the last half hour running, jumping and zooming 'to infinity and beyond!' I must say that the dog and I were a little sad we weren't invited in on the fun, but then again, we did forget our hats!
P.S. What types of things do you offer your grandkids to encourage pretend play?
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Articles:
How Playing Dress-Up Shapes Your Child
Why Kids Love To Play Dress-Up

Toddler Pretend Play Activities

I guess babies just wake up one day and decide they're into Pretend Play.  At least that's how it seemed to happen with Jude.  He now talks to his plush, drives his toy cars all over town on his carpeted bedroom floor, and feeds pieces of play dough to his plastic farm animals with slurping sound effects for my listening pleasure!  It's adorable!  Right now I'm in the watch and just-go-along with it stage. I'm sometimes allowed to sneak in a suggestion, but mostly I get to sit back and enjoy his imagination expanding and exploring the possibilities!
Loving every minute of it, 
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Any suggestions on Pretend Play?
Related Article:
Toddler Pretend Play Activities