Does your kid hate costumes? Here’s how to handle Book Week and special events
Be curious about why children don’t want to dress up, rather than immediately trying to persuade them to join in.
Book Week and special events involving costumes can bring joy to children, yet some may feel uncomfortable. Parents and caregivers might notice their child shying away from dressing up for school celebrations of characters from books. Understanding why children resist wearing costumes can help parents provide support without pressuring them further.
Sensory issues, such as costumes feeling itchy or restrictive, can make children reluctant to participate. Some children may worry about drawing attention to themselves, especially if they are shy or anxious. Others may simply prefer not to engage in pretend play. Body image concerns can also play a part, as children as young as three or four start to notice differences in how they look compared to others.
Parents should avoid making the situation more stressful by dismissing their child's feelings or pressuring them to participate. Instead, they can encourage their child to express their concerns and preferences. Asking open-ended questions about what makes the child uncomfortable can provide insight into the issue. Offering alternatives, such as wearing a t-shirt with a favorite book character's image or carrying a prop related to the character, can help the child participate without feeling the need to fully dress up.
Focusing on the child's enjoyment rather than their appearance can make them feel more comfortable and included.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
