“Superhero Play” — Tips For Parents
I love this article from the LA Motherhood Examiner on children and “superhero & weapons play” — it provides, I think, a very balanced viewpoint on the subject, both recognizing its importance (calling it a “natural phase of development”) and gently suggesting boundaries:
“Superhero and weapon play make it possible for preschoolers to do some sorting by making distinctions between good and evil, right and wrong, power and powerlessness, good guys vs bad guys. The power and wit of superheroes are attractive to young children who feel they have few of these qualities.”
Among the suggestions provided by writer Kimberley Clayton Blaine:
- “Take opportunities to talk about how the evil villain might have otherwise solved his problem.”
- “State the rules, such as, “Use your body and words without hurting others, yourself or property.”"
- “Help the children rotate roles so that everyone can be the “good guy” and the “bad guy” equally.”
Many fond memories of playing “Batman” when I was a small child…hair dryers (paradoxically) made good Mr. Freeze guns.
