What started out as an occasional dress up for play time has become a regular occurrence these days: kids’ costumes! From superheroes to princesses to fairies and owls, today’s kids are dressing up and having more fun than ever. But what’s even better than the simultaneously adorable and hilarious absurdity of kids in costume is the positive benefits they can bring.

Costumes can be a great way to encourage comic relief and help kids to express themselves. Dressing up can make young ones feel powerful, important, and even invincible. When they wear costumes to halloween trick-or-treating or a dress as superman for playtime, kids also get the chance to tap into their imaginations. Playing with costumes can be a form of self-expression, helping them explore creativity in a safe and fun environment.

Sometimes, dressing up can also help young ones try out different identities in a low-risk environment. This can be particularly beneficial for children who are more prone to shyness and don’t come out of their shell too easily. Because characters like superheroes and princesses all represent so much more than just costumes and masks, kids can take cues from the backgrounds of their favourite heroes and use them to gain inspiration.

Including more interactive playtime with friends in costume can also help children work out social issues and negotiate their emotions. This is a helpful way for kids to start making sense of the world. Plus, kids often take it upon themselves to come up with unusual activities - which is great for honing problem-solving skills, as well.

Costumes can also help augment a sense of community at school or at playgroups. Beyond just escaping to another world with just their best friends, children learn to connect with one another to share stories, have fun, and learn how to make decisions as a group.

Not to mention, dress up is a great way to bond with your child. You can choose to play a certain character and join in on the fun or simply take pictures. Either way, children of all ages can really benefit from kids’ costumes.