The Magic of Make-Believe: How Kids Turn Frustration into Fantasy
Some days, big emotions seem to bubble up out of nowhere. One minute your child is happily playing, and the next, they’re melting down because their sock “feels wrong” or their cereal touched the milk too soon.
But if you’ve ever seen that same child moments later, pretending to be a tiger who growls at problems or a wizard casting spells to make everything better, you’ve witnessed something incredible.
That’s the magic of make-believe.
Why Pretend Play Isn’t Just Play
For young children, emotions often feel too big to explain in words. That’s where imagination steps in.
Pretend play is how kids process the world. It allows them to act out situations, express feelings, and explore solutions without fear. When a child builds a kingdom out of blocks or becomes a superhero who rescues stuffed animals, they’re not just having fun, they’re making sense of what’s going on inside.
Especially when kids are overwhelmed, make-believe becomes a gentle outlet for frustration. It helps them regain a sense of control.
Frustration Has a Costume
Children often don’t say, “I’m feeling powerless,” or “I didn’t like how that went.” Instead, they become a dragon stomping loudly or a princess who rules her world. These roles let them reverse the script. Suddenly, they’re not the small person in a big situation, they’re in charge.
So, the next time your child creates a magical world after a tough moment, lean in. They’re not avoiding the issue; they’re working through it.
What You Can Do to Support This Emotional Magic
Here are a few simple ways you can encourage pretend play as a tool for emotional growth:
- Make space for imagination: Set up a few open-ended props, scarves, boxes, figurines. Let them lead the way.
- Be a quiet co-star: Join their play without steering it. Let them be the director of their own story.
- Ask playful questions: “What does your superhero do when they’re frustrated?” opens the door for emotional insight.
- Notice the patterns: If your child always plays the ‘rescuer,’ it might reflect a need for reassurance or safety.
Pretend play isn’t a distraction, it’s your child’s way of healing, learning, and coping.
One Story That Helps Make-Believe Feel Safe
In I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus, author Erin Shular brings this very idea to life. With playful illustrations and a heartwarming message, the book follows a child’s imaginative wish for a multitasking mom with eight arms. It captures how make-believe becomes a bridge between a child’s needs and a parent’s love. It’s a comforting reminder that fantasy is often where children feel most heard.
Conclusion
The next time your child is lost in a world of pirates, monsters, or flying ponies, don’t rush them out of it. This is where their inner world grows stronger and more resilient.
Order your copy today. It’s more than a bedtime book, it’s a beautiful reminder of the emotional world your child carries, and the magic you can share in every page.