@drbeckyatgoodinside: It’s easy to look at imaginative play and think, “Ugh, this is such a waste of time.” Princesses? Talking animals? Magical kingdoms? Meanwhile, the dishes are piling up and your kid’s room looks like a tornado hit it. I get it. That frustration? That “this isn’t real life” feeling? It’s valid. But here’s what I’ve learned (probably the hard way): Imaginative play is real life. It’s where kids build problem-solving, empathy, flexibility, and emotional regulation. It’s how they experiment with identity and relationships. It looks like fantasy, but the skills are very real. So when your kid says, “Come be a princess with me!” you don’t have to say yes every time. But what if just once you paused, crouched down, and said: “Okay… where’s my crown?” You've got this. 👑 Want to listen to the full episode? Find it wherever you stream your podcasts!

Dr. Becky | Psychologist

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Friday 08 August 2025 20:35:05 GMT