“The study shows just how important play is for 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.
The researchers carried out two studies; one involved <g data-gr-id="25">parents</g> being asked to joke and pretend with their 16 to <g data-gr-id="26">20 month old</g> children using actions. Jokes involved misusing objects like putting food on their heads and pretend play included activities like washing hands without soap or water.
In the second study, parents of 20 to <g data-gr-id="28">24 month olds</g> were asked to joke and pretend verbally with their toddlers.
Pretend play included parents telling their children <g data-gr-id="29">a round</g> block was a horse and jokes included mismatching items like saying that a toy chicken was a hat.
The researchers found that parents can offer explicit cues to help distinguish between <g data-gr-id="23">joke</g> and pretend intention contexts and children, even as young as 16 months old, pick up on those cues.