Trying on emotions and personality attributes

I always get a smile when kiddos feel the freedom to express themselves in their play. Getting to 'try on' attributes of personality is important in the early years.   About age 3 is when gains in imagination occur and children will spend time in fantasy play that helps them in understanding and practicing how to interact with the real world.  Children don't get much control over their lives at this age but in their fantasy world they are in charge. At this age fantasy and reality can co-mingle for children.  Rest assured that as they grow they will get better at recognizing the differences between them.  Hero play and play that involve fighting or weapons is to be expected.  Don't be alarmed -this too is practice. When children have play they can control they use it to experience big emotions within an environment they feel safe in. Talk of monsters and our acceptance of the fear of them are part of those big emotions and we can validate the child's feelings while talking with them, asking them for and giving ideas for how they can feel safe. It is how a child learns to further their self-regulation  of these emotions.  Children will benefit further when caregivers accommodate for growing independence by giving a couple of options for clothing, play, and healthy snacks.  It lets the child learn perspective, limits, consequences, and self-confidence. The key here is in offering only two choices and they should be options that the caregiver can accept no matter the child's choice. While we facilitate them in growing we are learning who they are.  What are your kiddos using for practice today?