Pretend play Archives - Diary of a New MomDiary of a New Mom

Benefits of Playing with Cardboard Castles and Forts

Do you want to know what the benefits of playing with cardboard castles and forts? Here in this post I want to discuss some of the advantages of playing with cardboard boxes for your kids.

Most of the kids love to play with cardboard boxes. Most of the time these cardboard boxes are turned into houses, buildings, fort or castles by the kids as they want to engage in active play using the empty box they own. Playing with cardboard boxes or making castles are full of fun. However do you know playing with cardboard boxes are not only full of fun, it is also educational?

I am sure every mom knows that playing is beneficial for kids for their skill growth. But, did you ever think of why it is beneficial when your kid plays with castles, buildings & forts? Let me share some of the benefits.

How to create cardboard fort or castle for your kids?

Most moms love to DIY cardboard castle or fort for their kids. This will be a good bonding activity which also enables your kid to be creative. However most of the moms do not have enough time to make cardboard box castles from scratch.

But, still you can engage your kids making cardboard box castle and allow them to be creative. Even if you do not have much time, you can help them making a cardboard box fort or castle just by buying a cardboard fort building kit. Just have a look at Make-A-Fort which offers a ready-made kit for building forts, mazes, tunnels and castles which save you more time. Still you can be creative with your kids when you use a ready-made cardboard fort building kit to make a cardboard fort which is also a great way to improve bonding with your kid.

Benefits of playing with cardboard castles

Basically, these are constructive activities. When your child creates or builds a castle he definitely has some plan and imaginary castle or building in his mind. This improves the creative skills and while building his castle he has to solve problems. Logical thinking is one of the other important skills a kid will improve while playing with cardboard buildings and castles.

Your kid will focus on the process of building the castle, making it a toy and creating other activities around it. As a result he will improve concentration and also he will learn to focus on work until it completes.

Pretend play is beneficial for kids to improve lot of skills including creative skills and social skills. After building their castle, kids will have lots of fun with different activities around their castle or building. They will create different pretend play activities and role playing around the building they created. All these activities are beneficial for kids for improving their skills.

Above are the benefits of playing with cardboard castles and buildings. Now it is your turn. Create the environment for your kid to play with cardboard castles. You can either make your own DIY cardboard box castle or buy a ready-made cardboard castle to make a cardboard fort or castle!

Reasons for Encouraging Pretend Play for kids

01 12 , 2018 No Comments

Pretend playing is more common on kids in different stages of their development. If the kid starts pretend playing in certain stages that is a sign of his development. Parents should be happy to see their kids pretend play with lot of imaginations while talking alone most of the times. As a mom, I experienced the same from my kid’s toddler age until today. Now, as a kindergartner, kid is more on role playing with more imaginations surrounded with his toys and story books.

How to encourage pretend play for kids

Pretend play is a milestone of childhood development and there are many reasons to encourage pretend play for kids. Parents can surround the kids with pretend play toys that helps them to imagine and play in real stories. Most of the time girls start playing as moms with activities such as taking care of their dolls or cooking meals. This is the best time to introduce dolls and other toys such as cooking sets for baby girls. As found in toyboxadvisor.com there are real size dolls which is ideal for baby girls to role play as a grown up. For boys, there are many other pretend play toys including doctor sets and firefighting toys. Although my kid is a boy, he shows love for cooking in his imaginary playing. This is where I found a toy kitchen play sets and play kitchens helpful.

Other than buying toys, parents can bring the kids to indoor playground which encourage kids to pretend play or role play. Reading books with kids also help them to improve imagination while they use parts of the stories for their role playing or imaginary playing.

Busy at the kitchen!

Reasons to Encourage Pretend Play

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, pretend play is a milestone of development of a kid. Therefore pretend play has links to other skills of kids depending on his or her age. The best thing is they develop their imaginary skills. These skills can make a creative kid and later a grown up adult who invent many new ideas and things. Other than that, kids will improve their communication and language skills while pretend playing with toys or other objects. They will learn how to play with others while role play. Among all the benefits of pretend play, this is a good opportunity for the kids to express themselves. They will be free from any stressful feelings they might have by talking to toys while playing.

With such reasons it is always responsibility of parents to encourage their kids for pretend play. Surround them with pretend play toys or encourage them for role playing.

Little Planet Playland Review & Giveaway

18 04 , 2017 14 Comments

Little Planet Playland is the best place for pretend play activities for kids in Singapore! Yes, I am telling so because I spent time with my kid at this wonderful indoor playground and it is a great place for pretend playing. With soft colours and spacious rooms, the Little Planet Playland is equipped with mainly facilities for 6 pretend play activities. But, you know the behavior of kids. They will create lot of imaginations into the reality when they are surrounded with lot of toys. It was same with us. My kid played happily in these pretend play activities and even he created some of his inventions! This is why pretend playing is important for kids as a brain activity!

About Little Planet Playland

Located at the Centrepoint shopping mall, Little Planet Playland is a wonderful place for kids to engage in imaginary play and pretend play activities. With themed play stations which includes a farm, a market place, a kitchen & cafe, a fishing area, a castle and a forest maze ,Little Planet playland aims to provide the young kids entertaining and educational environment while promoting the safe and hygienic place to play.

Little Planet Playland review

As my kid is so much into pretend playing these days, our visit to the Little Planet Playland was remarkable. Though there are hygiene practices and health checks at the entrance, he couldn’t wait to enter into the playground as he was much excited just by the view of it! Below is our Little Planet Playland review and experience. Hope you love to visit this amazing playland after reading our experiences because we also love to visit there again!

Fishing area

Although the farm area is located near the entrance, my kid ran into the fishing area. May be it is because fishing is a new experience for him. He loved to try fishing while sitting on the boat.

The fishing area is one of the pretend play stations in Little Planet Playland which provide facilities for fishing. There are lots of sea creatures around the boat which kids can use to catch them using the magnetic fishing rods.

It’s really interesting. Not only the kids will play with fishing activities, they also will learn names of the sea animals and also the different colours.

Market Area

This market at the Little Planet Playland is full of vegetables, breads & buns, fish and other groceries which kids can enjoy their time in shopping. There are trolleys for them to collect all the things they buy from the supermarket. It is really fun and I could see most of the kids in the playground enjoyed this activity.

Farm & soil ground

Farm is another interesting play station which provides facilities to pretend like harvesting the crops and planting those again. With the provided wheelbarrows and other farm tools kids can easily pretend like a farmer.

Busy farmer!

Next to the farm, there is a soil ground. At first I thought this area is for sand playing. But, it is not sand. This soil ground is with some clean seeds which is helpful for kids to use as the soil medium.

Kitchen & café

Though my kid is a boy, he loves cooking. Usually he spends time at the pantry area with his own cooking when I prepare our meal. So, the kitchen area is one of the best places for him to play.

The kitchen and café area of the Little Planet Playland is a complete kitchen. It includes pretend play kitchen items such as cookers, oven, sink and also necessary pots, pans and cutlery.

Busy at the kitchen!

Once cooked, kids can enjoy their meal at the café area. Isn’t this a fun activity for little kids?

Castle

Let your kids to role play like a prince and princess at the castle area. In this play station, you will not only find a castle but also costumes to pretend as royal members! The photo booth is really great to capture a snap of the kids with their royal dresses. But, I am sure instead of posing for a photo, they will sure run around the castle same as my kid did!

Costumes for kids!

Forest maze

The forest maze area is really interesting. It is located near the entrance and just before the fishing area. Kids can walk through the forest maze and pick fruits in to baskets. They can even enjoy time with picnic activities. And don’t forget the hide and seek! We loved our experience there. So, I am sure you will!!

Party Room

Little Planet Playland also includes a party room which you can book for your kid’s party. The party room is clean and neat with decorations. If you like to host your kid’s birthday party at the Little Planet Playland, you can choose one of the party packages!

Our thoughts about Little Planet Playland

We enjoyed our time there. Not only my kid, I also joined with pretend play activities to encourage my kid. It was so much fun. And it was great as I could spend time with my kid with activities he likes. This is a great playground for parents to spend time with kids. Unlike with active playing, you may need to talk, pretend and play with kids when they are role playing or in pretend play activities. Finally, that will improve the bonding time!

Useful information about Little Planet Playland

Location :

176 Orchard Road, #02-21
The Centrepoint
Singapore 238843

Nearest MRT: Somerset

Opening hours: Sunday to Friday: 10am – 7pm Saturday & Public Holidays: 10am – 8pm

For more details including the prices and packages, please check the website : littleplanet.com.sg

Little Planet Playland Discount from the entry fee

There is a 20% discount exclusively for the readers of this blog. You will get the 20% off admission fee on weekdays (excluding weekends and PH) for the month of Apri. To get the discount,

-Simply show this facebook post when you make the payment.

-You need to be a fan of Little Planet Playland facebook page

Giveaway time (3 lucky winners)

It is time for another giveaway. Management Team @Little Planet Playland is happy to sponsor 3 free entry passes to the readers of Diary of a New Mom. (1 free entry for 1 winner, total 3 winners)

Simply use this facebook post to enter into the giveaway.

Giveaway will end on 25th April 2017, 12midnight.We will contact the winners through a Facebook message.

In case we do not hear from you within 72 hours, we’ll select another winner.

Disclosure:We received free entry for the Little Planet Playland in order to facilitate this review. However all opinions are mine.

LOL Playland – Indoor Playground @JCube, Jurong East (#Review + Giveaway)

07 03 , 2017 10 Comments

Visit to the LOL Playland is our latest adventure! Located at the JCube shopping mall, Singapore; this LOL Playland is a dream for any active kid who loves to engage in both active play and pretend play activities.

These days I visit many Singapore indoor playgrounds with my kid because I know the importance of actively engaging in play activities for the kids. I read more blogs for more information on keeping the kid active.Your House Fitness encourages parents to be active with their kids on a day to day basis.

So, here is my share with you because I know that parents around this blog are keen on raising active and happy kids!

I am sure that you want to visit this newly opened Singapore indoor playground with your kids when you read this post about our experiences. Simply because, the experiences which my kid had are unique or not so typical!

Bit of Background Story of LOL Playland

LOL Playland is not just another typical indoor playground in Singapore. It is a dream of another mom who wished to have an indoor playground in Singapore West area which has facilities for both active play and pretend play activities. With proper planning and efforts, finally the LOL Playland is born with both active play and pretend play facilities for kids.

As LOL Playland is with many activities for kids of all ages, I think it is better to write my review post based on activities which kids can involve inside the playground.

Activities for kids in LOL Playland @JCube

Toddler’s House

The name says it all. The Toddler house is designed for toddlers. But my son who is nearly 3.5 years old now spent most of his time inside the toddler house and engaged with many activities.

Toddler house is in pretty decent size and allow facilities for young kids to play both pretend play and active play. The first floor area is full of toys which are especially suitable for kids to engage in imaginary play activities. Some of the activities include shopping, selling ice-cream and cooking. There are also activity boards which toddlers can spend time on activities such as solving maze.

Above the toddler house is full of active play ideas which kids can enjoy their time till they feel tired!

Role Play activities (Pretend play)

On the middle of the LOL Playland, you will find 3 rooms which are designated to role play activities for kids. Kids can dress up as a doctor, fire fighter or as a policeman and engage in role playing. The rooms are equipped with necessary toys for role playing these professions giving the kids opportunity to explore their imaginations!

I love this facility as not all indoor playgrounds in Singapore come with role play activities like this.

Main Playground for kids

On your right of the playland, you will find 3 storey main playground which is suitable for grown up kids. However, still this area is suitable for young kids too. Kids can actively play in this 3 storey playground involving activities such as climbing,jumping and sliding 🙂

Other activities

Other than main activities of the playground which are active play and pretend play, this LOL Playland provides educational activities for kids making it a complete edutainment center. One side of the playground is equipped with tables for those kids who love colouring. The other side is with a table with sensory play activities. So, kids will never get bored as there are different activities which they can involve during their time in the LOL Playland.

LOL playland has never forgotten the infants. They have dedicated a separate area for infants too.

Facilities

The playland comes with facilities for parents including seating areas, snacks, lockers and also with changing room facilities. Parents can watch their kids by sitting on seating area. Parents can also buy snacks from the counter during the wait.

Events & Party Room

LOL Playland comes with a party room which parents can arrange their kids’ birthday parties. Other than the party room facilities, LOL Playland provides enrichment courses and other events which are helpful for both parents and kids.

As a newly opened indoor playground in Singapore, LOL Playland is full of activities for both young kids and grown up kids.

Our Review of LOL Playland, Jurong East

So far, I’ve visited different indoor playgrounds in Singapore with my kid. Some playgrounds such as Pororo Park are large in Size. Other playgrounds such as My Little Giant are with other entertaining activities for kids.

However, LOL Playland is decent in size, pretty decent in look and neatly arranged with facilities for all kids of different age groups. As there is a separate Toddler house, parents do not have to worry about their toddlers playing with active and grown up kids.(I mean the place is safe for young toddlers too)

Role playing activities are the best admirable activities for me as these days my kid shows more interest on pretend playing activities. All these activities are really worth for the entrance fee we have to pay.

If you consider raising happy and healthy kids,I am sure you love to visit such playgrounds with your kids to allow them to play till they get tired!

Important information on LOL Playland, JCube, Singapore

Location : 2 Jurong East Central 1, #03-04/05, JCube Shopping Centre, Singapore 609731

Opening Hours: Monday -to- Friday: 11 am – 09:00 pm, Saturday -to- Sunday & PH/SH : 10:30 am – 9:30 pm

Contact details:

Check more details, ticket prices and packages by visiting their website lolplayland.com.sg

Giveaway time

It is time for another giveaway. Managing team @LOL Playland happily sponsor 5 free entry passes to the readers of Diary of a New Mom.

Simply use the rafflecopter to enter into the giveaway.

-5 free entries for 5 lucky winners

-By entering into the giveaway you agree to provide the mailing address if you win in order to post the entry pass.

-Play passes will be mailed to winners through the normal mail. We Diary of a New Mom and LOL Playland will not be responsible for any lost mails.

-Play passes are valid till 22nd May,2017.

-Giveaway will end on 15th March 2017, 12am.We will contact the winners through a Facebook message or email.

-In case we do not hear from you within 72 hours, we’ll select another winner.

Disclosure:We received free entry for the LOL Playland in order to facilitate this review.However all opinions are mine.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lots of Pretend Play Activities at our Home

21 02 , 2017 4 Comments

Suddenly,there are lot of pretend play activities at our home.Now our kid is 3.5 years old and his imaginative play activities are really interesting and fun!He started talking with an imaginary friend when he was just 2 years old.During that time he played with an imaginary friend and shared most of his thoughts after his playgroup sessions.That time I encouraged him for playing with his imaginary friend.At first I thought this can be due to his loneliness as there is no one at home during the daytime other than me.But I was wrong.After researching online,I understand these pretend playing activities and playing with imaginary friend is really normal and it is good too.

He is the Mr.Barber and having a Barber shop (hair salon) for all his toy friends. 🙂

As per recent researches,those kids with imaginary friends are less shy and creative.Imaginary friend also can be a source of comfort for them.I know it is true because I could see my kid was telling most incidents happened during his playgroup session with his imaginary friend.

He is the teacher.This is a session of his preschool (role playing at home)

Anyway,now he is a preschooler.Another year of his life milestones.This year,I see lot of role playing,pretend playing or imaginary playing.This year his activities are more serious or more organized.Sometimes he cooks adding many ingredients such as sauce,spices and even coconut cream!Sometime he washes clothes.Sometimes he is a teacher for his toys.

The explorer! He played in this indoor garden of National Museum of Phnom Penh,Cambodia pretending he is an explorer! 🙂

I really enjoy his such activities and sometimes I could photograph him.But sometimes,he stops his pretend play when he notices that I am watching him.That is why my photos are not so clear or bit shaky. 🙂

Anyway below is my favourite picture so far.Can you guess who is this charactor?

I thought he is role playing the super Man!But It is not.As per him,he is a Buddhist monk and he is wearing the robe.(On this day we were in Phnom Penh,Cambodia and visited few Buddhist Temples.We also talked with some Buddhist Monks)

How about your experiences?Do you experience pretend play activities of kids?Do your kids have imaginary friends?Please share your experiences and thoughts.

Check our review on LOL Playland which is a Singapore indoor playground with pretend play and active play activities.

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