Imaginative play to me is an essential part of a child’s development. It encourages the child’s creativity, especially when it comes to using the different toys and equipment as props that we adults would sometimes never think of! It also developes a child’s sense of imagination, when they create different “worlds” or scenarios with their toys and props. Imaginative play can start at a very young age, but when should they stop or should they even stop at all?

My children love imaginative play, ok, so they LOVE toys, can’t get enough of them. The eldest will turn 8 early next year and the second one is 6. I don’t mind them getting (birthday presents from me) or buying (with their pocket money) toys like dolls, littlest pet shop, etc. To me, it encourages their imagination in forming the different worlds, and I also have a view of how they view the world too, through the language they use. I have a few family members however who have a varying view on this. To them, because the girls are in primary school, they should be playing “teachers”, doing writing, playing computer games and these imaginative play are considered childish. Of course being the person I am – I ignore those comments. They are after all my children and under MY care. But, what do you think? Should there be a limit to imaginative play? And this includes dressing up, and playing pretend too. What are your views? Share your thoughts with us.