Allowing a life of fantasy. Is it good for our children or could it be detrimental? Whether or not fantasy is beneficial for children is certainly up for debate. Part of childhood involves imagination and creativity. Therefore, children are often exposed to fairy tale stories and characters. While these stories can teach children how to cultivate the depths of their imagination and believe in hope, it also can be detrimental to children that place too much faith in these fantastical concepts and then become overly disappointed when they discover that these concepts do not correspond to reality. A fairy princess or super hero can more times than not leave a more negative than postive mark on children As parents, grandparents or guardians, caution must be used as to how far we allow our children’s imaginations to flow. I have seen young children grow into adulthood wondering where their prince in shining armor was. Or why the things they want are not delivered at the drop of a hat. Imagination is one thing, allowing children to constantly live in a land of fairy tales can be extremely detrimental to all involved.
A type of Fantasy also lies in the game of pageantry. The concept of Toddlers and Tiaras is somewhat sickening. Babies could actually care less if they won a pageant or not, much less even compete in one. They just want to play with the little one sitting next them. They cry because they are bored, and don’t want to be there. The fantasy of pageantry is parental driven, not child. It’s a way for parents to live out their own fantasies, or insecurities through their children. This can happen in other areas as well, such as sports, where young children may be expected to perform beyond a certain standard, or else. Look at parades in rural communities that host county fairs. Half the parade will boast the baby with the chubbiest cheeks, biggest eyes, most hair, and so on. This takes place while the parent has to hold the child or prop them up during the event. Crying, drenched in sweat or asleep, they (the child) are not the reason for being there.
Fine, if a daughter or son is of age and making decisions on their own and want to enter a contest or pageant. Support them with everything you’ve got. But don’t force the little ones into a world of fantasy just for parental pride. This, more times than not turns into disappointment and can cause serious problems between parents. I’ve seen parents curse each other, even come to blows, while their little ones were goo-gooing and jabbering to each other. Is there a problem with this picture?
Now, with all that said, we must realize that all children are not the same, and for some, the childhood fantasies play out very quickly. However just as many carry them well into adulthood, and often times with adverse effects on them, their friends, parents and anyone who they attempt to associate with.
Imagination, or fantasy in moderation is probably not going to have any adverse affects on anyone. We have all had our fantasies, and we have all had our disappointments. I could not have been more disappointed when I found out there was no Santa Claus. I was almost 15, YIKES! I also attempted to jump out of a hay loft one time with an umbrella as a parachute. Superman, can't fly.
If we would start our children out right from the get go, it would be so much more beneficial for them, and us. Sit down and read a true story to them, one from the Bible or Bible stories for children and give them a head start to real life. Share the Truth with them and who knows, maybe one day they will learn to live it, and to tell it back.
The concept and message of grablifenow applies to an early start with our children. Truth, accountability, responsibility. It's ours to learn, and ours to apply. Learn to discern and remember, Fantasy is actually a lie and the Bible does teach that Satan is the father of lies.
1 John 2:21; John 8:44
Agree to disagree. Or add more to the meat.
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