Every child need imaginative play for their intellectual development. Plus it’s just fun! This summer, why not encourage your children to be more creative when they play?

Fill a box of old clothes, accessories and make up for your children to use during dress up time. You can use your own things, buy some used clothing from a thrift store or find some used costumes. Suggest that they put on a play for your family. Set up chairs, have popcorn and help make the announcements if they wish.

Have paper, crayons, markers, stickers, glue, old magazines, paint, etc. on hand for art supplies. No need for coloring books, unless it’s something they request. But allowing them to make their own pictures, paintings or collages lets them be more creative. Don’t forget to hang those special items on your refrigerator.

Building blocks, legos, and any type of building toys really get a child’s imagination flowing. You can always find these at yard sales and thrift stores. I always buy used. Watch your children make houses, parks, cars, stores, etc. Try to have a large area for this type of play so they can stretch out. Cleaning up the pieces becomes part of the imaginative play when you make a game out of it.

Puppets of all types are wonderful. You can use old socks, paper bags or ready made puppets. Then listen to the stories your child tells when they become the puppet master.

Since it’s summer, you can allow your children to leave their cities, unfinished paintings, stages, etc. up for a few days. They may need the time to complete their projects or enjoy them fully.

Have fun with them and feel like a child again!