London: Children as young as 16
months old learn important life skills from jokes and pretend play of parents,
says a new study, reports IANS. “The study shows just how important play is to
children’s development. Parents who pretend and joke with their children offer
cues to distinguish the difference between the two and toddlers take advantage
of these cues to perform,” said one of the researchers Elena Hoicka from the
University of Sheffield in Britain. “Knowing how to joke is good for
maintaining relationships, thinking outside the box, and enjoying life. Pretending
helps children to practice new skills and learn new information,” she said. “So
while parents may feel a bit daft putting a toy chicken on their head they can
at least console themselves with the knowledge that they are helping their
children develop important skills for life,” Hoicka noted. The
researchers carried out two studies; one involved parents being asked to joke
and pretend with their 16 to 20 month old children using actions. Jokes
involved misusing objects like putting food on head and pretend play
included washing hands without soap or water.
Source | Free
Press | 4 August 2015
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