Feeding

Why Superhero Worship is Beneficial

How Batman and Wonder Woman can help your kid's confidence

By Shaun Dreisbach, Parenting
 
 
See Also
How to help your kids have the right kind of fun -- age by age - Parenting.com
Helping kids learn the difference between what's real and what's not - Parenting.com
The best buddies who can help every child grow, age by age - Parenting.com


Share

Spider-Man. The Incredibles. Wonder Woman. A lot of kids love imitating these mighty superheroes, battling the bad guys and flexing their superpowers. You, however, may be less than thrilled about the idea -- the running, the jumping, the fighting. "But from a psychological standpoint, superhero worship can be beneficial," says Jeff Greenberg, Ph.D., a professor of social psychology at the University of Arizona. "Kids are pretty powerless and vulnerable, so pretending they're superheroes is one way for them to gain a sense of confidence and competence in a positive way." Think of it this way: We all want to feel like we're doing good in the world, but 6-year-olds don't necessarily understand how a doctor, scientist, or lawyer can have an important impact. The concepts of their work don't resonate very well yet. A superhero, however, can hold up a building and save hundreds of people! Now that a kid can understand. And rest assured, the whole superhero thing is a phase that will pass as your child gets older and begins to find other ways to nurture his confidence. "But for now," says Greenberg, "I say let him pretend. What parent doesn't want a creative, accomplished-feeling kid?" We couldn't agree more.


PRINT

Comments

No comments yet. Log in or register below to be the first.
Quick Poll

Is it OK for couples to fight in front of their kids?

Yes
No


ADVERTISEMENT
Popular on Parenting.com
Popular on Parenting.com
 
Photo Galleries

The Best Books to Read With Your Kids

From Dr. Seuss classics to newer books like If I Built a Car, here are the Parenting editor picks of the best children's reads

Where The WIld Things Are
promotion
 
Health

Join the Fit Generation

Become a member for a chance to win one of two amazing family trips

Blog: Project Pregnancy

Jennifer Johnson: "'A few weeks ago I had a dream I was pregnant with an alien. It's on the weird side but not as strange as my friend who had a dream she birthed robotic puppies and tried to nurse them." Updated frequently!

Blog: The Parenting Post

My Brown Baby: "My girls' toys reflect the truly diverse world they live in, where the kids who fill their school rooms and playgroups speak different languages and come from different countries and backgrounds and income levels and aren't necessarily a bunch of frilly little tea-toting girls." Updated daily!

30 Brand-New Birthday Cakes

ALL NEW! Super cute and easy birthday cakes you can make from store-bought cake, frosting and candy
Health

19 Famous People with ADHD

Justin Timberlake, Will Smith and 17 other celebs with ADD or ADHD