Toy Train - The Importance of Make-Believe and Pretend Play

For most adults, toys such as a wooden train tables are just items for their children to have fun. But in actuality, toys are much more than that. Toys, in fact, are educational and are an important part of childhood development.

Playing with toys with other kids instills in them a sense of sharing, cooperation, and camaraderie. It teaches them the value of sportsmanship and friendship. When parents play with their children, they are actually showing their children that they love them and want to be a part of their lives. There’s no doubt about it; playing develops a child’s physical and mental abilities, social interaction, and behavioral capabilities.

Playing with toys also exercises a child’s creativity. In fact, research shows that playing make-believe increases brain activity and improves a child’s initiative.

The nice thing about make-believe play is that the toys are readily available; some of them can be found almost anywhere. Wooden blocks become wooden toy train, cardboard boxes become hideouts and castles, matchboxes become cars, and walnut shells become little boats.

In no time at all, a large basin or the fishpond in the yard becomes an imaginary port with toy boats and pieces of wood floating around. The floor of the living room becomes a miniature metropolis with toy cars going around cardboard-box buildings. At night, the ceiling of a child’s room becomes the universe using a handheld flashlight and glowing stick-on stars.

So you see, a child’s most powerful toy is his imagination. Yes, the most expensive toys such as remote control cars or battery-operated robots can provide enjoyment. However, as time goes by, a child becomes bored; after all, these expensive toys are limited to what they do. Simple toys, such as a wooden trains, are a better option.

In addition, children love to follow their parents and other adults. Role-playing as adults do not require complex toys. Pretend play is quite important, especially if the child reaches school age. That’s because play becomes more focused on creativity and relationships than just fun.

For girls, homemaking pretend play is a good start to have fun while learning their chores and tasks in a house. You do not really need to purchase an expensive plastic kitchen set for your little girl. Just buy a child-sized wooden table, a tea set, a set of kid dishes, plastic pretend food, stuffed animals, and dolls. You may also want to keep her play utensils in the kitchen so that she can watch you prepare meals. Not only she will have fun but she will also learn what is done in the kitchen!

Little boys usually want to play a certain role such as a cowboy, a superhero, or a policeman. You can buy them inexpensive clothes and costumes for such. Or you can check the house for some; an old hat becomes a nice cowboy hat, a blanket becomes a cape. And of course, with a wood toy train, he becomes a manager of a make-believe railway.

As the child ages, it becomes more fun if they can play on real things. For example, for camping, buy them a real sleeping bag, canteen, flashlight, a small tent, etc. If your kids want to pretend they are teachers, buy a real chalkboard and office supplies.

Lastly, there is nothing more than giving them a real experience. For example, instead of just letting them be satisfied by letting them assemble a wooden train set, why not arrange a “field trip” for them in a real train yard?