logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2024
1h 13m

Why Does Pretend Play Matter? - Explore ...

Erin Hyer
About this episode

Pretend play is the ultimate brain builder. 

It's the magic potion that sparks language, supercharges social skills, and boosts emotional intelligence.

The 3 top benefits of pretend play.

Language Leaps:

Pretend play acts as a secret language workshop for your little one. 

As they engage in imaginative scenarios, they're not just playing – they're experimenting with words, tones, and expressions. 

This playful chatter is a significant building block for their language development, turning every tea party and superhero adventure into a language-rich classroom.

Social Skills Supercharge:

Picture this – your toddler hosting a teddy bear picnic or sharing toys with imaginary friends. 

These make-believe interactions aren't just adorable; they're social training grounds. 

Pretend play helps toddlers grasp the nuances of sharing, taking turns, and understanding others' perspectives. 

It's a social skills boot camp that happens organically through play.


Emotional Intelligence Boost:

Behind those superhero capes and tea party tiaras lies a world of emotions waiting to be explored. 

Pretend play allows toddlers to express, understand, and navigate a range of feelings in a safe, imaginative space. 

It's like a mini therapy session, helping them build emotional resilience and empathy – crucial tools for a lifetime of healthy relationships.

Remember mom, you're not just facilitating play; you're laying the groundwork for a confident, communicative, and emotionally intelligent little human. 

Embrace the magic of pretend play – it's more than just fun; it's a language and life skills powerhouse for your toddler.


Links mentioned in this episode:

Andrew Huberman, PhD

https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/using-play-to-rewire-and-improve-your-brain

Stuart Brown, MD, PhD

https://www.nifplay.org/about-us/about-dr-stuart-brown/

https://www.playcore.com/drstuartbrown

Carol Dweck, PhD

https://www.ted.com/talks/carol_dweck_the_power_of_believing_that_you_can_improve?language=en

https://www.ted.com/speakers/carol_dweck


CLICK HERE - JOIN THE WAITLIST

CLICK HERE - Building Vocabulary: Single Words to 2-Word Phrases Guide

Email: contact@HyerLearning.com



Up next
Aug 26
The Truth About Childhood — And Why Moms Are Leaving the Workforce Ep 118
Send us a textWhy are so many mothers leaving the workforce — and what does it mean for our children?The Washington Post calls it “erasing pandemic gains.” But after 35+ years as a speech-language pathologist working with hundreds of families, I see something deeper: maybe these ... Show More
21m 25s
Aug 19
The Hidden Power of Play: How Toddlers Build Focus, Memory & Thinking Skills Ep 117
Send us a textDid you know your toddler’s playtime is more than just fun? Between 12 and 18 months, play is the engine driving their memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. In this episode, Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist with over 35 years of experience — unpacks why ... Show More
58m 52s
Aug 12
The #1 Sleep Mistake Parents Don’t Know They’re Making - And How To Easily Fix It Ep 116
Send us a textParents of babies and toddlers—you’re exhausted. But here’s the good news: one small evening habit can change that, starting tonight.Learn the science of how light affects melatonin, why it matters for your toddler’s brain development, and how to create a bedtime en ... Show More
34m 57s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2019
#381 Jumpstart Expressive Language in Late Talking Toddlers
Join Laura Mize, M.S., CCC-SLP of teachmetotalk.com as she discusses effective strategies for helping late talking toddlers begin to talk. When there are no other developmental  red flags ( meaning a child is socially connected to other people, has an adequate attention span when ... Show More
1h 6m
Oct 2024
How to Respond When Your Kids Say "I'm Bored"
"Mommy, I'm bored." How many times have you heard this? In this episode I share why kids say "I'm bored" and how to reframe it's meaning. I emphasize the importance to create a love of learning when we recognize the reason behind kids saying "I'm bored." We need to recognize if t ... Show More
12m 31s
Nov 2023
Screaming Toddlers: Why They Do It and How To Stop It
Dr. Cathryn delves into the piercing world of toddler shrieks and screams, a phase that's as challenging as it is common. We share a story that brings this issue close to home for many, discuss why toddlers go through this phase and present big-hearted strategies to manage and mi ... Show More
15m 8s
Dec 2024
2431: How To Get Your Kids to Talk to You AND Help Your Child Develop Good Homework Habits by Julie Morgenstern
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2431:Julie Morgenstern's insights offer practical strategies to foster meaningful communication with children and guide them ... Show More
13m 8s
Oct 2023
My Kids Don't Want to go to Preschool! What Do I Do?
October 17, 2023 Transforming the Toddler Years- Episode 81 My Kids Don't Want to go to Preschool! What Do I Do? In this episode, Cara discusses how to handle when kids don't want to go to school or daycare. She shares how even when it's hard, telling the truth sets u ... Show More
9m 3s
Mar 2025
Simplified Speech #216 – Connecting with your inner child
Have you ever felt like a kid again while doing something fun? In this episode, Andrew and Kassy talk about how we all have a child inside us. They share stories about playful moments in their lives and discuss why keeping a sense of fun and wonder is important, even as adults. A ... Show More
31m 52s
Nov 2024
How Reading With Children Builds Relationships & Better Learning -- Ep. 19
Dipesh Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD, FAAP, joins host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez to talk about the value of reading aloud to children. Even infants can benefit from the relationship building that happens when a caregiver holds them and points at pictures, using funny voices to tell sto ... Show More
22m 34s
Sep 2024
Preparing your child for preschool using play
Send us a textIn this conversation, I chat with Connie about the critical aspects of preschool education, emphasizing the importance of play in child development. We explore the challenges children face in adapting to open-ended play, the significance of emotional regulation, and ... Show More
57m 47s
Nov 2024
Does Your Toddler WANT Everything they See?
Does your child say "I want" on repeat? Welcome to day one of the Holiday micro series! Over the next few weeks I'll be giving you hard-hitting mini episodes so they fit into your holiday busyness. Today I'm sharing what to do and how to reframe when your toddler is constantly sa ... Show More
3m 46s
Jul 3
RE-RELEASE Kindergarten Readiness - 3 Skills Teachers Really Want to See with Zeba McGibbon
Worried if your toddler is ready for preschool?I welcome Zeba McGibbons, teacher, curriculum creator, and children’s book author. In this episode, we discuss kindergarten readiness, and it's not actually about academic readiness like parents think, but rather social-emotional ski ... Show More
40m 36s