Psychology
The Surprising Role of Pretend Play in Executive Function Development
Quick fact
When children pretend, they are not just having fun; they are actually practicing complex cognitive skills that researchers call executive functions—skills that predict later academic and life success. Even 15 minutes of guided pretend play can improve executive function performance in children.
Why this is interesting
What if the most important part of your child's brain development isn't flashcards or puzzles, but something as simple as pretending to be a dragon or a superhero?