Dreaming is inherent in childhood and plays a big role in a child's development. Children with developed imagination can overcome difficulties more easily, develop creative thinking skills and a sense of curiosity, and can more easily find solutions to problems they may encounter in the future. Therefore, children's imagination development should also be supported by parents.
Imagination development and play progress in parallel in children. While movement-oriented games dominate the child's life until the age of 2, imaginary (symbolic) games begin from the age of 2, as abstract thinking skills and mental and language development reach a certain maturity. Symbolic games, which are often seen for the first time at the age of 2-3, begin with the imitation of daily life rituals. These imitations may include imitating the parents, feeding the doll, or pretending to talk on the phone. Criticizing children's dreams may cause them to avoid expressing their thoughts and feelings to their parents. Dreaming is something that should be improved, not criticized.
How can parents contribute to the development of imagination?
-Instead of directing the child, let him guide you
-Towards a goal Playing open-ended games that are not focused on Creating a story for a picture
-Producing toys
-Making potato prints
-Using non-toy things as toys
-Intimacy with nature Giving them the opportunity to meet each other
-Playing different roles
-Children's imagination development can be supported through activities such as cooking together.
Imaginary Friend
Imaginary friends are also frequently seen during these periods. Imaginary friends usually form as a result of the need to socialize, and the child creates a space with his imaginary friend where they can manage real-life difficulties/difficulties in making friends and meet their emotional needs. They enrich their games with imaginary friends and this is normal. It usually disappears by the time the child starts kindergarten.
So when is an imaginary friend a problem?
Parents need to follow their children's games and discourse.
-When the child begins to confuse dreams and reality,
-When the child's imaginary friends prevent the child from connecting with the outside world and responsibilities,
-When they prevent the child from enjoying real life and When the child starts to become lonely, help should be sought from an expert.
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