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Specialists in child development remind us that imagination is extremely important for developing well-rounded, intelligent children with strong problem-solving skills. But sometimes, what specialists recommend is often easier to swallow if it comes from someone famous. One of the greatest minds in history, Albert Einstein, said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge." One of the most creative and unique architects known to the Western world, Frank Lloyd Wright, said that "An idea is salvation by imagination." Obviously, Wright did not find his best ideas in facts and figures. For many children, putting on costumes or dress-up clothes allows them to enter a different identity or character, which opens the doorway to imaginative play and storytelling. The best way to encourage your children to dress-up and act out their own stories is simply to provide them with a good supply of dress-up clothes.
Step 1:
What Type of Dress-up Clothes to Get
- Specific costumes do not need to be purchased in order to build a dress-up wardrobe. In fact, it is best to give the children generic outfits rather than outfits tied to a particular character.
- It is not necessary to buy clothes in their size. Children often find it more interesting to put on 'real' clothes that are too big for them. In their mind, the clothes fit because they assume the role of adult when the clothes are put on. As a result, the children are more involved in the role they are playing and it feels more real to them.
Note
: While not restricting children to clothes that 'fit' is beneficial, it is wise to cut off, hem, or safety pin any article of clothing that might cause them to hurt themselves in some way.
- Dress-up wardrobes should contain an abundance of accessories including hats, mirrors, vests, gloves, bags, capes, wings, wands, scarves, shawls, a square of pretty fabric, or tools.
Step 2:
Where to Get Dress-up Clothes
- Look in your closet. Is there a vest or jacket that you no longer wear? Give it to your children. Considering giving your children the fancy shoes that you wore only once as a bridesmaid at your second cousin's wedding. Do you have old glasses that you've never donated? Pop out the lenses and give the frames to your children.
- Go to the thrift store. Many thrift stores have sales where items are reduced to a dollar or two. Sequined gowns and fringed leather vests make great additions to the wardrobe.
- Make dress-up clothes. If you know how to sew, consider making costume items for your children. Sewing is a great way to give your children period costumes or durable costumes that would be expensive to buy.
Step 3:
How to Store the Dress-up Clothes
- If it at all possible, store dress-up clothes in a designated location. If there is extra space in a closet or a chest of drawers that can be designate for dress-up clothes, do it.
- Another option is to buy old suitcases and designate different suitcases for different items. For instance dresses could be folded in the largest suitcase, while hats and accessories could be stored in a smaller suitcase.
- Once you've provided your children with a dress-up wardrobe remember to let them use it however they wish. If your daughter wants to wear an eye patch and carry a briefcase while wearing a tutu - let her. It will only expand her capacity to think outside of the box.
