All children love imaginative games, however with an overwhelming emphasis on achievement in our busy world, we can sometimes forget how important imagination truly is. A developed imagination will ultimately lead to a well-balanced and creative adult. As we allow our child time and space to explore their innermost self they use the magic of imagination to see and experience new things unmediated by anybody else's expectations or demands. Imagination is important because it integrates a child's feelings, dreams and actions. For those parents who are driven by the need for their child to be a success it should be noted that, some imagination driven playtime can, help our children to process feelings and problems.

Do our children have enough time to play house, fight imaginary dragons, chat to an imaginary friend or set up their own imaginary restaurant preparing their parents with mouth watering pretend food? Or are we in danger of losing the battle against the television, mp3’s and organised clubs. With so many structured activities on offer we can sometimes find ourselves including our children in an endless stream of extra curricular classes. Structured classes are all ultimately beneficial in their own right. From piano lessons to ballet, football to karate there is no shortage of skills for our children to participate in.  However, whilst we are busy  bringing up the next Darcy Bussell or David Beckham it is important that we still leave some time in the day for our children to just to play.