I still remember when my cousins and I would turn the entire living room into an imaginary battlefield, setting up cushions as forts and using dupattas as superhero capes. There were no expensive toys, no screens—just pure imagination. And honestly, those are some of the best memories I have.
In this generation, my child used to be glued to screens or preferred toys that beep, blink, and do all the work. But I've realized that creativity isn't something kids are born with; it's something we can nurture. Here's how I made minor changes to encourage my child's imaginative play, and you can, too.
1. The Magic of Open-Ended Toys
One day, I gave my child a set of wooden blocks and asked her to build whatever she could, and I offered her a reward for the maximum builds she could make. I guided her with a few steps of what can be made; just make her get a hold of it. She learned it and made builds like an airy castle, a parking space for her toy cars, a box to store her jewelry, etc.,
Open-ended toys like LEGO, wooden blocks, dolls, play kitchens, and art supplies let your kid explore endless possibilities and bring their imagination to life. And you want something even more versatile. In that case, depending on your kid's imagination, you can shop for our Cosmos Play Sofa, which can become a castle, a secret hideout, or a mountain.
By giving kids toys that don't have a fixed function, we're giving them the freedom to think, experiment, and create.
2. Let Them Lead
When we say to our kids, "You don't play it like this!" "You should make it like this" or anything that is in an instructing tone; they lose interest in doing that work because they don't feel in control. When you want them to do a particular job, don't instruct them; ask them questions about their ways of doing certain things, such as "Oh! You have made this? Wow! What is this?" They might then say, "This is a castle, jungle, or car."
Letting kids take the lead encourages creativity, storytelling, and confidence.
3. Dress-Up and Role-Play
As kids, we didn't need fancy costumes; we raided our parents' wardrobes. A dupatta turned into a sari, a stethoscope made from earphones turned us into doctors, and bangles clinking on tiny wrists made us feel all grown up.
Keep a dress-up box with scarves, hats, sunglasses, and everyday accessories. Your child might be a doctor one day, an engineer the next, or a detective the next. Dressing up helps children step into different roles, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills.
4. Indoor Games That Spark Creativity
Not all games need toys. Some of the best childhood games come from our Indian roots:
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The Floor is Lava—Jumping from one cushion to another, pretending the floor is molten lava, makes kids think on their feet (literally!). It also boosts problem-solving skills and movement coordination.
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Ghar-Ghar is a classic role-playing game in which kids pretend to be parents, shopkeepers, or teachers. This game helps them process real-life situations and understand social roles.
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Antakshari but not the traditional– Instead of singing songs, add a storytelling challenge: each player has to add a new line to a made-up story using the last word of the previous person's sentence.
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Treasure Hunt – Hide small objects around the house with clues that lead from one to the next. This game sharpens observational skills and logical thinking.
5. Join the Fun
Kids love it when we join in their Ghar-Ghar stories, becoming their kid's grandparents. The other day, my child was "cooking" a meal (on a playdate I had arranged for her). Instead of watching, I asked, "Can I get an extra spicy samosa?" His face lit up as he added "invisible mirchi" to my plate.
When we participate in their games, we appreciate their imagination, expand their stories, and strengthen our bond with them. The key is to let them lead, follow their rules, and play along with enthusiasm.
Final Thoughts
Encouraging imaginative play doesn't mean buying expensive toys or planning structured activities. It's about giving children the space, time, and freedom to create their worlds. Whether through simple household items, classic Indian games, or just a parent willing to pretend, the goal is to let kids explore, invent, and dream.
The best part? Nurturing your child's imagination allows you to relive the magic of childhood all over again.