What is the role of fantasy in a preschooler's understanding of divorce?

• A. Engaging in fantasy helps the child understand the divorce.
• B. Fantasy should be avoided entirely.
• C. Fantasy replaces reality in understanding.
• D. Fantasy has no relation to divorce.

Answer: (A)

In preschoolers, fantasy and pretend play are how they naturally process big life changes like divorce. Engaging in fantasy lets a child express feelings they can’t yet put into words—sadness, fear, guilt, or confusion—without feeling overwhelmed. Through dolls, puppets, drawings, or storytelling, they act out new family roles and routines, test explanations, and rehearse what might happen in a safe, controllable way. This symbolic play helps them make sense of the situation, regain a sense of predictability, and feel a sense of mastery during a time of upheaval.

Caregivers can support this by offering simple, honest explanations and maintaining consistent routines, while validating the child’s feelings and reassuring that both parents still love them. Fantasy should be seen as a helpful bridge to understanding, not a replacement for real information. Providing developmentally appropriate facts alongside opportunities for expressive play helps the child cope and adapt. It’s not accurate to suggest fantasy should be avoided, or that it replaces reality, or that it has no relation to divorce—fantasy is a natural tool at this stage for processing change.