One frequent question we get from concerned parents is whether it really is okay or safe to allow kids to dress up as special forces and other soldiers. For kids to play war games. Our answer is always yes, absolutely, so-called "aggressive play" has some significant benefits, and many parents and experts see it as a natural part of growing up.
War Games: The Benefits of Role-Playing Special Forces & Other Soldier Games
In fact, many experts believe not allowing aggressive play is apt to cause issues. Jane Katch, author of Under Deadman's Skin: Discovering the Meaning of Children's Violent Play, writes extensively on why it's important to avoid slapping a negative label on aggressive play. Foremost, it tells boys that they have to be sneaky and that their real feelings ought to be hidden. Instead promoting war-like play through things like dress-up as special forces and soldiers offers key benefits, such as:
- Encourages imagination. War games are almost always built on themes of good and evil, and these themes allow children to learn how to bridge gaps between raw emotions and impulses and the more adult understandings of morality and logic. In other words, children use their imagination to uniquely connect those basic themes into something more. Plus, there are the more concrete examples of imagination in action, when your child takes a cardboard box and pretends it is a tank.
- Encourages teamwork and communication. Military games are all about teamwork. In fact, we think you'd be hard pressed to find another theme of gameplay that has more involved team abilities than solider and special forces type of games. Children who play war games together usually form either two teams working against each other or create a combined team mission. In both cases, this type of play naturally requires children to act out supporting, protecting, and rescuing kinds of roles. This helps to develop cooperative relationships and can really strengthen their teamwork and communication skills.
- Encourages fitness. There has been a tragic rise in childhood obesity -- but there doesn't have to be! Games, toys, and dress-up play, such as with special forces costumes, that encourage physical activity are great ways to keep your children active and fit. The more fun children have while participating in active play, the more their brain will release positive endorphins that enhance positive feelings and association with the activity. Thus, by encouraging them to partake in more active play, the more they will enjoy physical play -- instilling in them a more long-term appreciation of fitness.
Encourage Military Games and Team Play With a Special Forces Costume
Has your child been clamoring for a special forces costume? Do they love playing with soldiers and other war toys? We hope this article helped assuage any worries you might have about war games or aggressive play, as the benefits are significant. Contact our team today to learn more about our quality costumes or visit our online storefront to browse and help your child choose their favorite.