The books children read (or listen to in your family read-alouds) affect how they play. Some books even have stories that feature characters, children, whose play is based on books they read, providing another layer of imaginative formation. (E. Nesbit’s stories are wonderful in this way.)>When children read books and fairy tales with orphans in them, it seems that their imaginations explode. Their play reaches new levels, and a big feature in it is that you are not there. So if you want an hour or so to organize a closet, talk to a friend, or read your own book, you need to be sure they have a good orphan-book stash.

Originally published in The School for Housewives. Read original article