| In order to learn, your child needs to play. It has | | | | underestimate the knowledge she is gaining |
| been scientifically proven that advancements in | | | | through creative play. |
| academic skills is directly related to the amount of | | | | When you add in a sibling or play partner, the |
| creative play a child is allowed to do. Your child's | | | | knowledge increases. Playing "pretend" with more |
| memory, language skills, social skills, mechanical | | | | than one player helps your child learn effective |
| skills and problem solving skills are all dependent on | | | | communication skills. He will have to explain why |
| how much time your child spends playing | | | | this playhouse is now a fire station and the ride |
| "pretend". | | | | on toy is a fire engine and how they will work |
| The sad thing is that today's parents put more | | | | together to put out a fire; and then why the |
| focus on academic skills which has directly the | | | | playhouse is now a school and he is the teacher |
| opposite effect in creating intelligent children. By | | | | and his friend and toys are the students. |
| allowing your child to play make-believe, you are | | | | Playing pretend helps your children become |
| encouraging your child to develop the skills | | | | effective negotiators, communicators and creative |
| necessary to grow your child's brain power. You | | | | thinkers. Their memory develops through all of |
| may not think that having your little one create a | | | | the planning and sequencing they do in their minds |
| superman costume from a towel for a cape and | | | | that directly relate to how they plan their |
| a superman t-shirt is a learning experience, but | | | | activities. |
| the thought process that happens as he plans his | | | | A playhouse and a box of "dress-up" clothes can |
| play is the same process he will later need to plan | | | | be the best educational toy you can ever give |
| a school science project. | | | | your child. Forget the electronic gadgets and |
| Giving your toddler a ride on toy can spark their | | | | "genius" toys. If you want to invest in your child's |
| imagination to include all different scenarios and | | | | academic future, give them a playhouse and play |
| situations as well as develop motor skills. She can | | | | kitchen. Your child will be head and shoulders |
| now drive to work, go on vacations and explore | | | | ahead of the rest of the children who's parents |
| the world all within her imagination. Do not | | | | are focusing on creating a genius. |