During this third year, there is also a big leap in toddlers’ ability to use their imaginations. They no longer just use their toy broom to sweep. It becomes a dance partner or a cowboy’s horse. Two-year-olds often spend a lot of time in pretend play with friends. As they approach three, they begin to make up stories and “rules” for their games. Pretend play also helps children work through difficult experiences, like saying good-bye to a parent at child care