Today’s Parenting Tip:

DECIDE:        Children need to know the difference between pretend and real.

PRACTICE:   Play make-believe with your child today.

Emphasize the difference between pretend and real.

You can do that by telling him you are having fun pretending, agreeing that you can pretend for a certain length of time, saying you are done pretending when the time is done, or pointing out what is different when you stop pretending – you put away the dress-up clothes, the table is a table and no longer a fort, or you put away the play dishes and get out real dishes with real food for lunch.

Remember that playing “What-If” is a form of make-believe for older children.Make up a “what-if” situation and see where it goes.

For example, what if you stopped loading the dishes in the dishwasher every night? If he answers with some fantasy like a fairy would come and clean the dishes, remind him that he needs to give “real” responses and ask for another idea.

Today’s Parenting Tip was inspired by our featured picture book, DOCTOR TED.  Read the book to a child in your life each day as a reminder of what you are deciding and practicing that day.

Come back each day for another good parenting decision and how to practice it. (Each day’s activity will also be posted on the Daily Parenting Tips page for easy access.)

Read the whole story at Make-Believe and Funny: Two Good Things.