I’ve often mentioned how much my boys thrive on imaginative play. It all started when my oldest son was just a toddler and the two of us would spend the day with a pile of toys making up stories. It didn’t take Zackary long to discover Hot Wheels and once he did, they became the stars of all our games. But because he had such a great imagination, the cars didn’t just race around. Instead they had conversations, picked up items from the store and dropped off treats for friends.

I loved the fun and kind-hearted pretend play, but that all changed when Zackary started Kindergarten. Being around other children that had been exposed to different types of games, Zackary suddenly turned every game into a battle or a competition. I know that my son’s competitive spirit is going to be beneficial to him in life once he learns to temper it a bit, but the way it completely took over his imaginative play was overwhelming! And of course, he taught his little brother how to play the same style of games as well. [Read more…]