With so many other super hero movies out this summer many kids are likely to have super powers on their minds these days. The notion of an ordinary, vulnerable person who can transform into a hero with superhuman abilities seems to be endlessly appealing to young children.
Playing superheroes can do wonders for a child's creativity as they think up scenarios to rescue imaginary friends, pets and toys in danger and fill out imaginary worlds where anything is possible. Since suspension of disbelief for youngsters whose imaginations are far more powerful than their bodies is seldom a problem, the play can inspire way more than one or two fun afternoons. While that dreamed-up play is great exercise for the brain; boosting skills in the ability to plan and focus, superheroes can also be used to start important conversations between a parent and child, bringing up major concepts for kids who may be grappling with how to make sense of a big, complex world.
Questions such as what makes someone good or how can you be like a super hero without having magic powers can lead to a discussion of super hero qualities such selflessness, self-discipline, bravery and fair-mindedness which exemplify the best of humanity. Likewise, discussing what makes someone bad can open up awareness about impulses they also experience from time to time and ways to deal with them.
For younger children Disney's new movie Super Buddies (on Blu-ray Combo Pack August 27th ) can make a great conversation starter especially because it's high on humor and low on scary violence. The super heroes in this comedy are adorable talking puppies who get transformed into caped crusaders who learn to unleash their amazing abilities and use teamwork race to the rescue when a shape-shifting bully from outer space threatens the planet. Packed with laughs, each puppy embodies super traits that help prove when you use your wits and work together, you don't need super powers to be a super hero!
