WHY YOUR KIDS NEED WEAPON PLAY
Battle sounds fill the forest, swords clatter and arrows whizz through the air, groans and victorious shouts ring out. Huzzah!
It’s not a medieval war you’re witnessing – but children playing with weapons.
It often happens at Wildlings that the kids get completely engrossed in weapons play, brandishing swords, arrows and axes, and having an amazing time! But the adults can often look a little uncomfortable.
At what point do we step in and tell them not to fight? Or the bigger question, does encouraging weapons play send the message that violence is ok?
The answers might surprise you.
According to child psychologist Michael Thompson, Phd, research shows no link between battle play in childhood and real-life aggression. Instead, weapons play allows children to experience a range of emotions, from fear to heroism, and gives them the space to work through ideas about themselves and their world. Thompson continues that battle play allows children to act out their fears and aspirations. They get to imagine themselves as the hero, which can be very empowering for a child who might experience feelings of vulnerability or weakness.
Risky play directly benefits childhood development and emotional regulation, teaching children how to ‘control their impulses, delay gratification, think symbolically and view things from another’s perspective’ (WebMD 2011). It gives children the space to experience manageable doses of fear, while helping them to realise that they can overcome their feelings. According to Peter Gray (2014), these situations allow them to ‘learn to control their fear and anger so they can encounter real-life dangers, and interact in close quarters with others, without succumbing to negative emotions.’
When it comes to dangerous tools, it is hugely rewarding for them to learn how to handle the tool for their own purposes – with the added thrill of knowing that it could also hurt them.
While it can be triggering to stand back and let the battle unfold, ultimately, your child knows their own limits. ‘Children are highly motivated to play in risky ways,’ says Gray, ‘but they are also very good at knowing their own capacities and avoiding risks they are not ready to take, either physically or emotionally.’
So if you’re on the fence about their love of weapons, there’s no need to be concerned. Instead, be proud of their attempts to be strong and brave.
Here’s our favourite toys and tools to support your child as they explore risky play.
With My First Opinel
No weapons kit is complete without a whittling knife. You can craft all kinds of primitive weapons using resources from the world around you, such as green wood and sticks.
Wooden Sword
Slaying dragons? No worries. Our Lancelot Sword will transport you to Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table. Command your armies like King Arthur wielding Excalibur.
Arabella Wood Dagger
Protect the city with our Purple Unicorn Dagger – perfect for the princess who can save herself!
Bow & Arrow Set
Strike from a distance, complete with suction cups for protecting precious treasures. Store your arrows in our adjustable Quiver, so you can stay in stealth mode and surprise your enemies.
Slingshot with Paper Balls
Go hunting for ferocious beasts with our Slingshot – but make sure you don’t become dinner!
Weapons play is a healthy and creative part of childhood, and who knows, you might even join in the battle next time.
Whatever the game or weapon, the Wildlings online store is your gateway to endless fun. On guard!