It's no wonder children are fascinated with big, powerful things like dinosaurs, superheroes, and huge construction machinery. Children can feel very small in a large, scary world over which they have no control.

Pretending about being "superstrong", "superbig", and "superfast" can help children feel powerful, develop their imagination, and in some cases, solve problems. But, their pretending can get scary, and then children need our help in understanding what's real and what's just pretend. We can also help them by letting them know that the superheroes and monsters they see on television or in movies are either pictures that someone has drawn or people dressed up in costumes and make-up.

When Superhero Play Gets Out of Control

"Super" play can sometimes be upsetting for teachers and child-care providers because superhero fights can turn into real punching and kicking. At times like that, we need to stop the fighting and help children know that we won't let anyone hurt anyone else while they're in our care. When children's pretending gets too scary for them, you can help them learn to ask for the play to stop.

While children might enjoy pretending about being super strong and super big, they also need to know it's real people who do all the important things in the world...and as they grow, they will be able to accomplish important things -- just as they are.

You're setting the foundation for that in an everyday kind of way, when you appreciate the children as they are and when you help them feel good about all the things they can do.

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