Batman Effect in Children – Superpower of Self-Control

The Batman Effect in Children

Have you ever heard of the Batman effect in children?  I had not until I read a recent article in the Wall Street Journal about the power of pretend play.  It discusses recent research supporting the theory that children who pretend they are superheroes do better on measures of self-control and persistence.

In the first research study, when children were asked to pretend to be a superhero to solve a problem they did much better than the children who did not pretend.  In the second study, children who were pretending to be superheroes exhibited less distraction to complete the tasks.

The researchers discuss how self-control and power may be effected by utilizing a different mindset for children and adults!  Do you find that when your children play pretend they exhibit every day “superpowers” of self-control and inhibition?

Think of all the other “superpowers” pretend play provides children with – language development, socialization, imagination, creativity, physical activity, role-playing, emotional development and whole body learning.

I don’t know about you, but I will take extra self-control from my three-year-old any day! So the next time he wants to wear his superhero cape all day long, I am going to think twice before I say no.  Perhaps my trip to the store will go smoother with his new found “superpower” of self-control.  And, I’m thinking that might give me the “superpower” of a calm state while shopping with children.  Now, if only I can get the teenagers to wear it, maybe the bill will be less at the checkout!

Read more about why children NEED pretend play.

Reference:  Gopnik, A. “The Power of Pretending – What Would a Superhero Do?” The Wall Street Journal.  Retrieved from the web on 11/27/2017 at https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-power-of-pretending-what-would-a-hero-do-1509547610

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