“…Increased free time is associated with self-directed executive functioning ( Barker et al, 2014 ), positive adaptive behavior, and even academic success ( Lehrer et al, 2014 ), suggesting that children’s autonomy over their activities may practice EFs ( Barker and Munakata, 2015 ). Large longitudinal data suggest that time spent playing at 2–5 years of age predicts self-regulation, including inhibition and other EFs, 2 years later ( Colliver et al, 2022 ). Particular EFs, such as attention shifting ( Pierucci et al, 2013 ; White and Carlson, 2016 ), working memory ( Thibodeau et al, 2016 ), delay skills ( Carlson et al, 2014 ), and inhibitory control ( Goble and Pianta, 2017 ; White et al, 2021 ; White and Carlson, 2021 ), have all been associated with pretend play behaviors.…”