I was a motorcar to the dismay of my parents... I switched on in the morning, and only stopped being a car at night when I reversed into bed and cut the ignition.
Peter Usinov
Dear Me
1977
Few will become supermodels, and none superheroes. But playing lets kids test their limits, speculate, begin to appreciate what’s on others’ minds, and prepare for what’s next—in magical, bite-sized interludes. Adults may grow into their roles comfortably, or wear them like an ill-fitting suit, but this continuum begins with play.
Ken's a perfect gentleman, but Barbie likes them bad
Pretending helps children coax the world into making sense. Kids at play will in effect write a script, cast their drama carefully, and plot it believably by drawing from what they know and what they dream. Filmmakers and toymakers supply readymade images and skeletal plots. But only successful toys satisfy kids’ expectations, and only versatile characters endure.
Trick, or treat?
Pretending turns the world upside down, the meek become brave, the cute become scary, and the shy become dazzling. Borrowing from ancient Celtic tradition, Halloween has swept up kids and adults in America’s fastest-growing and goofiest secular holiday. In door-to-door Halloweening, or at parties inside, kids dress up to fulfill wishes. Grownups’ costumes spoof and satirize the mighty and famous to even the score.
Just pretend
Pretending is one thing, lying is another. Children know the difference. For adults, fun may shade subtly into self-deception. The Ouija board dates from an era when mediums channeled “automatic writing” from spirits, and charlatans rapped out messages from dead relatives. How does Ouija really work? Two players translate their thoughts into motion on a slippery surface. The effect is spooky, revealing, and fun.
