What happens when a child puts on a costume?
What’s going on in that little mind?
If you are one who joins the celebration of this holiday, you’ve probably got a costume for your child and depending on their age, they either tolerate being dressed up (or not!) or love putting it on and instantly becoming the character, talking and acting like them as they enter the world of fantasy.
Of these top 10, we see movie based super heroes and heroines plus a couple that could be considered dark and/or violent. What does this tell us? What’s happening in the minds of preschoolers who choose these roles, either on the side one who fights evil or a bad character who chooses power over the innocent?
In her book, Discovering the Culture of Childhood, Emily Plank gives an insightful look at the benefits of allowing children freedom in their play as a way of processing not only the realities of their own world but also the stories they consume through media.
Here are a couple of suggestions she gives to help you guide children as they put on those costumes and take on the character in their play and interactions with others.
Everyone involved in the play needs to want to be involved and needs a clear strategy for exiting the pretend play if they wish.
Have a conversation with your child about how they can invite others to play and the importance of listening to their friends and respecting their ideas about the “story” that’s developed through pretend.
The simple phrase, “Looks like ______ wants to…” can help your child pick up on non-verbal cues that another child may be giving and help them navigate their play story to meet everyone’s needs. Give children language to use when they don’t want to play and choose to exit the play. “I don’t want to ________ anymore.”
Use caution when getting involved in your child’s pretend play.
Children use play to explore themes of power and justice. Think of what it feels like to be a child – pretty powerless in most circumstances! When they put on a costume that indicates “I’m in charge” they are able to practice what it feels like to be powerful. They’re allowed, in this role, to try on behaviors that are otherwise quieted down.
Adults should refrain from participating in the play unless they take on a role that’s less powerful since your child is experimenting with ways to understand the world around them, both real and through movies. Through play they figure out how to use a powerful voice, how to punish what hurts them and how to help others. Think of the freedom they’ll experience! Your presence guides and keeps them safe.
Give your child an opportunity to be ‘bigger’ than you through the roles you take as you pretend play together. Give them permission to be in charge.
Meet Ann
I'm a child development specialist, parent coach and teacher trainer. I've cared for countless babies in child development programs, plus 3 kids, 3 grand babies and 5 foster babies! I LOVE babies and would come hold yours if I could. ❤️
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