How imaginative play supports emotional development, regulation and resilience

Fantasy often gets misunderstood.

It’s sometimes seen as just make‑believe. Something children grow out of. Something separate from the real world.

But for children, fantasy and myths aren’t about escaping reality. They’re about making sense of it.

When the world feels big, unpredictable or overwhelming, imagination gives children something incredibly important:

a safe emotional container.

Fantasy helps children process big feelings safely

Children experience emotions just as deeply as adults, often more so, but they don’t yet have the language, perspective or coping tools to explain what’s happening inside them.

Fantasy gives those feelings a shape.

Fear becomes a dragon. Worry becomes a storm. Uncertainty becomes a quest.

When a child plays out these stories, they’re not being dramatic or silly, they’re externalising internal experiences. This allows them to explore emotions at a safe distance, without having to talk about them directly.

Imaginative play becomes emotional processing in disguise.

Why myths make children feel less alone

Stories and myths have been used for thousands of years to help humans understand fear, courage, kindness, loss and change.

That hasn’t changed.

When children hear stories or create their own, they learn something powerful:

Other people feel this too.

Characters in myths struggle. They doubt themselves. They feel scared before they feel brave.

And importantly they find their way through.

For children, this creates reassurance. It normalises their emotions and helps them feel less alone in their experiences.

Imaginative play creates emotional safety and control

In fantasy worlds, children are in charge.

They decide what happens next. They can pause, rewind or change the ending. They can replay moments until they feel resolved.

This sense of control is incredibly regulating, especially for children who feel deeply, are anxious, or struggle with unpredictability.

Having agency within play helps children build confidence, trust themselves and feel emotionally secure.

Fantasy supports nervous system regulation

After a long day of rules, expectations, noise and stimulation, imaginative play allows children to exhale.

It slows their bodies. It softens their breathing. It brings them back into the present moment.

Unlike being told to “calm down,” fantasy meets children where they are. It regulates without force and soothes without pressure.

This is why many children naturally turn to imaginative play in the evenings or after emotionally big days.

Fantasy is not fluff — it’s a developmental tool

Imaginative play supports:

• Emotional regulation

• Language development

• Problem‑solving

• Empathy and perspective‑taking

• Confidence and resilience

It allows children to explore who they are, what they feel and how they respond to the world, all within the safety of play.

Fantasy isn’t distracting children from reality.

It’s helping them build the skills they need to meet it.

How parents can gently support fantasy play

You don’t need elaborate setups or constant involvement.

Simple ways to support imaginative play include:

• Allowing uninterrupted time for pretend play (including potion play)

• Providing open‑ended materials and toys

• Listening without directing the story

• Letting children repeat play themes

When we protect space for imagination, we’re giving children permission to process their world at their own pace.

And that’s where real confidence and calm begin.

Fantasy isn’t something children need to grow out of.

It’s something they grow through.

 Is your child more drawn to fantasy… or facts? We are always curious what kids gravitate toward, email us your answer at magic@thelittlepotionco.com.au