My son the Superhero.
Who, even as an adult doesn’t get a giggle from wearing a cape? A spark of excitement, fun and a whisper of childhood. Summers of scratched knees and almost being able to fly. Superhero’s and fairy tales.
Ironman, Green Arrow, Captain America, Superman, Spiderman, Thor (aesthetically Mummy’s favourite). These are very popular names in my household at the moment. They are the theme of the majority of our conversations, toy purchases and whose colourful faces are plastered on my son’s walls and socks.
Learning through imaginary and dramatic play has long been recognised as an important component of child development. It is also important to be responsive to children’s emerging interests. I have become an expert in Hot wheels, hero’s and Ben Ten.
Five reasons why Superhero play is good for children.
1.Either dressed up in outfits, or with action figures grasped in his hands my son acts out different roles. He copies a program he has seen from memory or comes up with his own little narrative. Socially it enables him to express emotions, be interactive and cooperative. Also, if there is a child in a hulk top at the park my shy son will talk to them about it…
2.Role play develops verbal and non-verbal communication, it involves a lot of talking, ‘save me mummy the Joker has stolen my cake and is holding it for ransomed.’ Children apply language, learn new vocabulary and participate in discussions. Being a hero offers a perfect opportunity to talk about right and wrong with your children. They do good things, be kind to others. They have awesome hair.
3.Superhero’s are fast and strong; being little is tough! You have to learn lots of new things and overcome obstacles…learning to read, climbing stairs, tying shoelaces…children can feel well, really little. They get worried tummy aches. Superhero’s can help children feel brave, build their self-esteem and empathy in understanding how other people think.
4.Finally, my son once he dons a cape is all about the chasing, capturing, jumping, rolling…Being spiderman in the garden lends to a child’s physical development, improving their fine motor skills and all this physical activity can help to release tensions increase wellbeing.
Superhero’s are not gender specific and I encourage my son takes interest in other things as little ones tend to become a bit obsessive.
We do not watch any film above a U however much he pleads.
Superhero worries.
I think superhero’s can get slack for the fact that they can become synonymous with rough and tumble, karate chops and accidently pulling off one of teddy’s ears. When you are five it’s all about actions and being loud; 12 boys in one class all ‘Batmaning’ it up means bumps will happen and at the age when boys have a first injection of testosterone things can get a bit destructive. Talk with children about stuntmen, about how in reality people can’t fly etc. Superhero’s like anyone else need boundaries. Fantasy, pretend play and wanting super powers are an important part of childhood. Get your cape on.
Interesting facts learnt from my son are that Superhero baddies MUST:
- Speak with a growly voice and own a cat.
- They cannot swim.
- Most should wear makeup. Their choice of colour is mummy’s deep red No7 lipstick.
- They are angry because their mummy made them go to bed too early when they were five.
- Should always loose and then say sorry and give the hero a sorry letter.
- The best baddie is the Joker but his little figurine needs to be hidden at night. He’s a mischief.
Enjoy flying, super speed, solving riddles and making witty quips all whilst wearing a mask and trying to plan what is for dinner.
Do you have Superhero crazy offspring? Are you Avengers mad, or do you think children should not be encouraged to play with Batman action figures? We would love to hear your opinions!
78 comments
Remarkably sweet read. My kiddos are starting to phase out of this with age and I’m going to miss it.
My 6 year old has a couple of costumes but isn’t into them so much, he likes the itty bitty soft characters the best and Batman is his fav! Very cool post! I love that the joker need to be hidden at night
This is really lovely! And I totally agree, playing superheroes is great for them in so many ways x
Thank you for such a kind comment, play is so important to little ones, I miss the imagination I once had!xx
Lovely post. My 5 year god son is exactly the same and I had a whole array of the avengers acted out to me this week. I love the imagination and interaction this brings with his mates. Listen I was partcial to a bit of Wonder Woman when I was fine and it I loved it! No gender gap, just good old fashioned fun and I know plenty of adults that would love to be a superhero again
Haha I spent most of my childhood pretending to be a tractor…..xx
Good points! My little ones aren’t massively into superheroes currently – more princesses! I’d prefer superheroes, but they’re probably a little young. I think all role play & imaginative play is great for kids though. #ablogginggoodtime
Haha princesses superhero’s it is all awesome! xx
I loved reading this!
Imaginative play is just the bees knees and should be embraced!! I love that they become the character..it’s helpful aswell when said child would pick out tomatoes from a sarni but a quick, I bet Batman eats his tomatoes can change those little taste buds in a second!! Great post #ablogginggoodtime
Haha batman loves tomatoes…..and peas! And washing his face! xxx
Hahaha this is brilliant – who would tire of a little person dressed as the hulk?! I quite agree, keep the superhero activity up…in fact on those tiring days, I like to pretend in my head that I’m Wonder Woman (you decide if I’m joking ;-)) Lovely post and thank you for hosting #ablogginggoodtime xxx
Thank you lovely and it was fab to have you link up! Wonder woman is a good choice…I like her big knickers…x
A bit of escapism from reality is fantastic but hopefully there’s not too many accidents fuelled by testosterone. #ablogginggoodtime
Superhero’s need rules too! I always remind my little man that even though they run jump and fight that does not mean when you don the suit he can do the same to his friends 🙂 xx
Haha this is why I loved power ranger so much when I was little! Female superheroes need to be more mainstream now! Though, I am not beyond dressing mini as Thor! Lucy xx #tribe
Haha we all had our pink power ranger days….If you dress as Thor I will date you…x
You are more superhero than me supermummy 🙂 Your two will make an awesome hero duo! Wonder which one will be boss?!xx
Jade you are a superhero, and you are definitely a superhero to your boy! You’ve made me look forward to dressing up and playing superhero with my kiddies! #ablogginggoodtime xx
I totally agree. I haven’t taken the Superhero costumes out in a while I will be doing that this afternoon! Thank you for the reminder !! #ablogginggoodtie
Fab to have you lovely. Whatever age Superheros are a fab play outlet! x
Haha I didn’t know baddies can’t swim! I feel safe in the knowledge that if I get in a pickle, I can jump in a lake and be safe. (Or maybe fly away, or stop time) x
#ablogginggoodtime
Ahh Jade I love this. You and Leo always make me chuckle and you’ve made some brilliant points about all the benefits superhero and imaginative play has for kids. I still remember watching cartoons with my brother as kids – it used to change between Batman, Spider-Man and X men I think and X men was my favourite, probably because there were more female superheroes! #ablogginggoodtime
Yup I enjoyed the X men, I wanted to be Storm and fly! You wait till little man is older he will get his cape on too!xxx
Great post. You might be interested in ‘the batman effect’ http://www.rainbowsaretoobeautiful.com/2016/06/wonderfulwednesday-batman-effect-ADHD.html
Thanks for writing it xx
Thank you for the suggestion, yours was a really informative and well researched read. I enjoy reading about the positivity of imaginative play!xx
Fantastic post. I’m a teacher and role play is so important for their development it is fab to see mamas getting stuck in. I’d be hulk. Every time. #ablogginggoodtime
Haha I love a hulk lover. I am often very hulkesk! My son loved that his class teacher did a whole topic on superhero’s and friendships etc he really responded well. xx
I totally agree, if your child wants to play dressing up then let them. We’ve collected loads of dress up kids clothes over the years and still have a large box full of them – even though the kids are all now in high school! The clothes hardly ever get used now but they still come out when we have visitors with little (and not so little) kids, who just love discovering what they can become through an outfit change or two. #ablogginggoodtime
What a fab comment! Dressing up is so much fun as well as being positive for their development in so many areas. I still have my dressing up box from a child…when my son was little he liked to put the dresses on and be a queen xx
My little bear is only 2 but he has grown to love Spider Man. I’m not even really sure where he learned about it as he mostly watches Disney junior on the TV but he has become obsessed. He has several pairs of PJ’s and some cute crocs. I agree with all of the good things about them. Especially with imagination and speech development. #Ablogginggoodtime #TribalLove
It is funny where they pick it up! Hehe get ready for full fledged superheroism in the next year or so! They are really good for teaching little ones about right and wrong…and about wearing tights lol…x
What a fun post. My son’s never been interested in superheroes (he’s watched Spiderman once – I didn’t think it appropriate for a 4 year old at the time, but he was fine with it and we watched it together on holiday), and doesn’t really do dressing up. But my 2nd cousin’s youngest daughter loves superheroes – Iron Man especially.
I love this because I don’t think superhero’s are separate for boys or girls as you say your son isn’t interested but the little girl does 🙂 I think they like what they like for their personalities xx
My son is 16 now but I remember taking him on the Mersey Ferry and he was dressed in a Silver Thunderbird outfit, he never batted an eyelid and acted like it was his usual attire. They were fun days, now the only named clothes he wears are designers, haha.
#ablogginggoodtime
Haha fab! We tried to get my son into thunderbirds as I used to love playing with a little metal thunderbird 1…he didn’t get it but I love when my son dresses up, its just such a lovely part of childhood xx
We have yet to discover super hero’s properly. I love their little imaginations, shows how easily their innocence can melt away discovering there are baddies in the world, and how to identify them in the films.
If he wants to be wonder woman then why shouldn’t he? I’m with you on not being gender specific!
Thomas still rocks our world *yawn!*
Haha I loved Thomas…..much better than Peppa Pig which almost gave me a nervous breakdown…I look a bit like Thor when I straighten my hair…xx
Who doesn’t love a good superhero? What can be better than wanting to save the world, especially from early bedtimes! #ablogginggoodtime
Haha Superhero’s causing late nights since the beginning of time…x
I am so in love with DC and I think its brushing of with my son and he loves Flash more than anyone because I do. Its so nice for us because its a topic and something that we can share together! This is a lovely read! #ablogginggoodtime
Ah Flash cool! My little boys dad is Iron Man MAD! He has asked for a brother called Tony…I would totally be black canary if I had some fishnets..x
yes, yes and yes. I’m all about super powers, Hero’s and frankly anything magical or enhancing to the imagination. #ablogginggoodtime fantastic post that I will RT 🙂 super love to you
Hey lovely I am a fairy tales magical fan too, life needs as much intrigue and imagination as possible!xx
Some great tips especially about role play and the fact that superheros worry (which I have never really thought about but is a valid point) X #ablogginggoodtime
Thank you for commenting lovely, it is funny how blogging brings up things you would have never really thought about before!x
My eldest loves Spiderman, Aquaman, Superman! Loving the Hulk picture, all good superhero’s need a sandwich! I think it’s really important for little boys to role play superhero’s. #ablogginggoodtime
I just love how obsessive they get, it is very sweet and I love that he loves chatting away an teaching mummy things. Thank you for commenting x
Hee hee – great post – you made me laugh with the list about ‘baddies’ at the end. I so agree superheroes can get a bad press but the role-play element is so good for kids and as you say in no. 4 – they get to use up some pent-up energy too with all that chasing about. Lovely to find this on #ablogginggoodtime. x
It’s great when kids latch onto something that makes their imagination grow. Super heroes are a good choice for this. Good choice on Thor being favourite! #blogginggoodtine
Sign me up to the next Thor movie…or to watch in in slow mo…I think I like superhero’s for a totally different reason than Leo lol x
Love this! So important to encourage them to pretend play! All,part of growing up ? Can’t wait for this stage with my little girl X #ablogginggoodtime
My friends little girls are so cute one is totally into Disney and the other is superhero MAD…I love watching them play together in their little outfits. xx
Oh I can’t wait for my boy to be old enough to play!! Elsa and glitter can become a little bit much it will be a welcome change!! #ablogginggoodtime
Haha I look forward to having a girl so I can get the glitter and the Elsa on…Leo did have his dolly faze though which was adorable xx
Oh how sweet. I love seeing all the children at school dressing up as superheroes and saving each other! I made a Spiderman book corner (gotta love pinterest!) and it got so many of the boys in there – not always reading, but it’s a step in the right direction!
x Alice
Thanks for hosting #ablogginggoodtime
I think teachers using superhero’s well in school is so good! As you say its a route to encouraging boys to learn through a medium they understand and enjoy xx
ADORE a superhero and completely agree with your reasons. For the most part I think they’re great role models and I love the idea that they’re gender neutral, as in, a girl shouldn’t be discouraged from thinking Iron Man is the best dude ever. Daddy is a huge Marvel fan so my daughters don’t stand a chance, really! I just love Thor. Thor can come round for tea anytime he likes, along with Loki. #ABloggingGoodTime
Hehe Marvel fan family here too! If they come round for tea with you give me a shout and I will let you know xx
My now 7 year old still loves dressing up as a super hero, I think its a great way to have imaginative play, which a big part of childhood. Spider Man has been bought in 3 different sizes now and is a firm favourite in our house.
Haha Spider man should really give you a share in his merchandise sales! xx Thank you for commenting 🙂
I love it and completely agree with all the great things about letting them explore and experiment being superheroes. To be fair if they don’t don’t do it know when will they? My son loves Spider-Man even though he bever watched any cartoon or movie. It’s important however like you say to make sure they understand there are limitations and they can’t just run around fighting with people or trying to fly! #abligginggoodtime
Hey lovely, thank you for commenting. It is funny how they pick things up even though you do not introduce things…had a little chuckle at the bligginggoodtime 😉 Looking forward to seeing some superhero themed photographs!!xx
I think my son is going to be like this, and I love it, we are superhero geeks and I’ve already started playing with him as ‘HULK baby’ haha, it does help with development and it’s great to have a vivid imagination plus as you say if it helps our children feel comfortable and learn new skills then it’s welcome. #ablogginggoodread
I am HULK mummy….I like superhero’s and the couple of times where little man has got a bit over excited with it but you just talk about things and behaviour with kind hands. He loves them and Superhero’s have bought him so much self confidence xx
This is a really interesting read. I think that it’s so important for kids to dress up and engage in role play. You list some brilliant examples why it is important and I really do love your photos – especially the incredible hulk 🙂 Alison x #ablogginggoodtime
Any form of play or conversation that involves a child using their imagination is golden as far as I am concerned. This has so many learning opportunities and will benefit him so much in his future education and his emotional literacy. A great acknowledgement of the benefits! I also love Leo’s interpretation of baddies – so funny 🙂
I think each one of your points is absolutely spot on, it’s so important out children learn these things. Your sons points are also very valid, he sounds like a very funny and thoughtful boy!
#ablogginggoodtime
That Hulk costume is brilliant! I only wish as adults we could play superheroes in the same way with the same imagination, it would make playing with my nieces so much easier to keep up! So many reasons here to encourage this kind of play, and it keeps their imagination active for so much longer #ablogginggoodtime
I absolutely love this. My Meg is still running about in capes and flying through the air from the sofa at the age of 10 – it’s great to join in with. I have a major superhero addiction – Ever read ‘My Gods wear Spandex’? I centred my dissertation on it at Uni. With an addiction like mine it was bound to spread to the little ones in the house – we’ve even been known to dress the dog up with his own x-ray goggles! Superhero play does help them try on the moral codes for good citizen behaviour. They try out different scenarios and adapt the play to work with their own sense of right and wrong. I think we should all pull up up big spandex pants once a week and try out a bit of superhero role play, guidance in a fun imaginative way. But more importantly it’s great to fun to imagine you have amazing powers and decide how you would use them! #Ablogginggoodtime
This is my nephew down to a T! He is obsessed with Superheros! Batman and Spiderman are his fav. He will run around pretending to be Batman all day long! xx
#ablogginggoodtime
My son has a framed poster above his bed that reads ‘super hero in disguise’. I love children being imaginative it is so precious. Lucky we own 3 cats so no one will mess with us lol #ablogginggoodtime
Haha three cats oooh my son would be super impressed with that!xx
Aww I love this. My boy is nearly 3 and he loves playing superhero games. His lego joker always talks in a growly voice and batman has a very high pitched voice, it’s so funny watching him play. He can get a hit carried away with pretend fighting sometimes but most of the time he’s good. It’s nice to read all the things kids can learn from pretending to be super heroes!xx #blogginggoodtime
Fantasy and imaginative play are essential parts of a healthy happy childhood. Children (and adults!) test out ideas and scenarios feelings and social norms in the safe world of fiction and role play. Characters and stories need to be age and developmentally appropriate of course but anyone who focuses on the perceived negative aspects is missing the point. Kids need rough and tumble. And contrary to what some adults think they can tell the difference between fantasy and reality!
Fab informed comment! Think you should have written the post!xx
The one about baddies being angry because they were made to go to bed too early when they were five had me chuckling out loud at the computer – so funny. Being a superhero is lots of fun no matter what age you are and it’s such a brilliant way of helping encouraging so many skills with children and helping them learn about things. Isn’t it amazing how much easier it is to go and talk to someone else when they are also wearing a superhero costume? #ablogginggoodtime
Lovely read. My son is also into Iron Man and Spider Man these days…. will not drink milk unless its from his Spiderman glass. Because he has to become strong like Spiderman?
Superheroes do tend to make life easier for us mums;)
But on a more serious note, I agree, role play and imaginative play is so crucial to their development.
Ah Spiderman glass is so cute…I said that hulk likes peas because they are green…Suddenly peas are cool!x