5 Reasons to Fall in Love with Costumes!
Emotional Support - Time Together: There is so much outside stimulus we all have to deal with every day. So many ways to connect and disconnect at the same time. Growing up is complicated enough, and all this new technology and social media can make it even harder. Just like unplugging and going for a hike as a family, playing dress up on a rainy afternoon together is a fantastic way to connect and see where your kids are at. Put on a play, or a puppet show, give funny voices your best effort, roll around and be silly.Taking the time to be together, unplugged and fully present, gives kids a wonderful sense of emotional security.
Something from Nothing: How does that old saying go? Necessity is the mother of invention? Fill a trunk with odds and ends, old clothes, costumes, the old pasta strainer, and let the kids have at it. You'll be amazed at what they come up with! So often these days kids have a hard time figuring out what to do next. Free and open-ended play, like playing dress up helps solve this issue by extending attention span, and asking kids to problem solve in a way that is fun and highly creative.
Roll Play: Ever wonder what it's like to fly to mars? Be a doctor, a firefighter, or a ballerina? Playing dress up allows kids to try out a persona, profession, or even a different gender. Having the space to try something out with zero pressure on time and outcome is so important for kids as they sort through this crazy adventure of growing up.
Socialization - Taking Turns, Playing Fair: The basics of being kind and taking turns finds a fun and creative home in playing dress up. Coming up with a game or an imaginary world to play in takes consensus. Making sure each child gets a chance to contribute allows little voices to be heard, and ideas to be shared. And if someone doesn't play fair, it's a safe space to work it out and develop empathy.
Imagination Powerhouse: This one goes without saying, but it's our namesake, so we are going to shamelessly plug it into the conversation. We are a little obsessed with the power of a good imagination, and engaging in a form of play like dress up is imagination gold. It really doesn't take much to play dress up either. Even if you don't have much in the way of supplies at home, an inexpensive trip to your local Good Will store will fill a dress up trunk without blinking. The worlds you and your little ones discover through imaginative play will unlock doors for a happy, creative and fun filled life, or as we prefer to call it, adventure.
Free DIY Crafting Activity!
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A few of our Favorite Supplies:
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xox
~i.c.
