Spotlight on superheroes
Superheros and other characters from the world of cartoons and comics are such a common part of life today. Many of you who do not allow your children to watch TV are baffled by how your child knows every Power Ranger, their special killing techniques and how Batman gouged out a baddy’s eye! Even if children do not watch these programs or films directly, they are exposed to them through advertising, merchandise and even from friends. It is an unavoidable consequence of modern childhood, however we think it deserves some reflection to ensure that as the adults in a child’s life we are aware of the impact of these influences.
A child’s mind in their early years is highly impressionable and the habits we establish during childhood often stay with us throughout our lifetimes. Programs like Batman, Spiderman and Power Rangers are not for the pre-school age group and the content is often far beyond their comprehension. Only when you see a 3 year old “sword” another 3 year old “to death” does the implications really hit home about how violent they are. Even seemingly more innocuous programmes and films such as Shrek and Barbie have a detrimental effect. Some time ago a child told a teacher to “SHUT UP” (à la Princess Fiona in Shrek) and girlie games often render someone the “poor and ugly one” because of something they have seen in a princess film. When choosing visual entertainment we must remember just how impressionable our children are and that to them television is not easily separated into reality and fantasy. We must also consider the impact our children’s viewing is having on other children and the social relationships they are trying to create.
This is one of the reasons why we actively discourage inappropriate toys and clothing at Newpark. Even a child coming to nursery wearing clothing such as Batman tee shirts or Spiderman slippers has an effect on the child’s behaviour and changes the dynamic of the group of children - such images divert children’s attention away from key learning opportunities and instead result in competitive high-energy games and conflict among friends. We ask for parents’ support with this important matter, but we know how challenging it can be simply to get your child to nursery in the morning. We suggest that children be offered the choice of wearing superhero branded clothing as a treat at the weekend – perhaps have a separate section of their wardrobe for weekend wear, so that during the week the choices your child has available to them are not going to end in tears.
With regards to toys, we sincerely recommend that toys like guns and swords are not encouraged at home until your child is older; children aged six and older are able to use their "reasoning mind" to explore the world with abstract thought and imagination and are able to separate fantasy from reality. Toys of any form should not be brought into nursery. We know it might seem strict of us not to allow children to bring in their beloved toys from home but please try to understand that it is in the child's best interest. Other children will inevitably want to play with those toys, but the child whose toy it is will find it hard to share their precious possession. They are still learning to share in the context of nursery toys so toys from home set children up for unnecessary failure. Finally our team cannot reasonably keep track of all of those items and if misplaced or broken your child becomes distressed. We understand it is hard in the morning when children want to bring something to nursery and you want your last moments with them to be good ones, but if children bring things in they are always going to be disappointed when we refuse their toys entry to class. So perhaps have a special box at home by the front door that children place their toys in before leaving, so that they are ready and waiting for them when they get home, or remind your child that their teacher will not allow them to take them to school anyway. Failing that, make space in your handbag or briefcase because Superman needs to go to work!
