What is it with dinosaurs and little children?
From the moment they can comprehend the awe of dinosaurs, many children appear to become captivated by this ancient species. Watching my own son, between the ages of 3 and 6, his fascination with dinosaurs was undeniable. Any vacation we took had to include a dinosaur park or zoo, and every bookstore visit concluded with us bringing home a dinosaur-related book.
For most little children, there is something magical and captivating about dinosaurs. Whether it’s their impressive size and striking appearances or some deep-rooted link to an ancient age, the fascination with dinosaurs runs deep. It brings boundless amounts of energy, captivating imagination, and joy to toddlers and young children alike.
Studies of children’s play have shown that imaginative play around prehistoric creatures can really build confidence, self-regulation and problem-solving skills.
Attaching a story or direction to the play opens up possibilities in ways that children can usefully interact with their friends, creating scenarios and stories that challenge them to think big. Perhaps most importantly, a curiosity in the unknown attracts children to fossilised creatures from long-lost eras.
In the age of digital devices and on-demand video, it can be hard for parents to compete with the instant gratification of screens. But when a child hands you a tiny plastic dino and says, “This is a Triceratops, it had three horns on its head,” you get to witness the power of imaginative play and curiosity. And as parents, it can be quite the eye-opening moment when we realise that the knowledge we thought we had acquired at school isn’t as accurate and detailed as the knowledge a child today is capable of accessing.
Dinosaurs have long been a source of fascination for children of all ages.
From museums to national parks, there are so many ways to keep kids engaged with the incredible world of dinosaurs. And the best part is that there are plenty of ways to get creative with kids at home, from cooking and painting to crafting and reading.
The timelessness of dinosaurs means that even the youngest tots can appreciate them as much as their oldest grandparents! (On demand) Television provides a range of shows and movies dedicated to this captivating species, from “Harry and His Bucketful of Dinosaurs”, “Barney and Friends” and “Dinosaur Train” to “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous”.
At the end of the day, dinosaurs always provide an amazing connection between generations, an avenue to explore our natural world together, and an opportunity for parents and children to engage in meaningful moments. It is something we should not only be grateful for in the present but cherish for years to come.
By Eva Larsson