Hidden identity revealed: Masked figure unveiled
Interview with Psychologist Alexander Sharapov - Exploring Children's Imagination and the Role of Masks
Dr. Alexander Sharapov from UGMK-Health, Yekaterinburg, sheds light on a unique phenomenon where children dress up as animals, often masking their true selves. Dreary disguises might just be a desperate call for attention from loved ones, but what can parents do to help their child live in reality and not fantasy?
Have you ever encountered quadberets in your practice?
Nope. Once, I had a mother and her seven-year-old daughter visit my office, but the girl was simply into quadbiking - nothing unusual occurred.
So, aside from hobbies like quadbiking, does this phenomenon even exist?
Quadberets haven't crossed my path on the streets, and parents don't bring their kids to a shrink over quadbiking. However, in my line of work, I have encountered cases related to anime and cosplay, and I was asked how typical these interests are. But no quadberets were ever discussed.
What's the reason behind society viewing a child who has dedicated their life to a sports activity as "normal," while showing disapproval for a child setting their own rules?
The main focus should be on helping the child stay grounded in reality and respect others' boundaries. If a child doesn't understand the difference between right and wrong, adults need to step in and guide them. A child's imagination can be incredibly powerful, and it's important for an adult to ensure that they're not taking things too far, especially when it comes to younger children who daydream a lot. There's also the risk that the child might lose touch with reality while immersed in their roleplay.
As development progresses, children start assimilating other people's behavior and eventually associate themselves with human heroes. In this process, a child can learn to differentiate between themselves and the characters they idolize, fostering self-awareness.
You'd think that to be Elsa, you'd need more than just a dress and braids; you'd need those inner qualities, character traits.
Quadrobots lack any depth - they're just cats, dogs with no underlying meaning, essentially no character.
Counting Cats, A Masked Tale
Children's play is constantly under scrutiny. Wearing a Spider-Man or Batman costume is applauded, but sporting a cat mask is frowned upon.
Why the double standard?
Because, unlike humanized characters, quadrofeline creatures don't have clearly defined behavioral boundaries. When animals are more humanized, they serve as positive role models, teaching certain qualities and character traits. Sometimes, a child chooses a negative character that reflects their hidden, inner darkness. Embracing the image of a strong, ambiguous hero helps children understand the world's complexity, as life is a mix of good and evil, and all emotions matter. It also encourages empathy, as it fosters the ability to see things from someone else's perspective.
Should New Year's morning parties be rid of bunnies and squirrels now?
Parties set boundaries, and children need play within those bounds. However, it's essential to evaluate why the child desires to wear the cat mask beyond the party. Quadbikers unite around groups, both online and offline, and it's crucial to understand what rules and values govern these groups.
Are they forming friendships this way, outside social media? If a child gets a scooter or BMX bike, they go to an extreme park and make friends there.
True, groups help children find companionship, especially at a young age. Quadbikers use masks and tails as identification symbols, making it easier to join their community. They often communicate online or in their neighborhood, establishing friendships, classmates, or even community members. It's possible that if a child feels anxious about sharing their feelings with their parents, they may opt to make their own mask, signaling a desire for independence, creativity, and self-expression. However, if parents suspect their child is becoming too engrossed in quadbiking, it may be time to seek professional advice.
Should consultations be held separately or with the parent and child together?
In my experience, it's best for parents to attend consultations alone initially. For teenagers, joint sessions are advisable, but separate sessions can also be combined as needed. As children grow, their self-awareness strengthens, making them more capable of expressing their thoughts and feelings. For younger children, more emphasis is placed on parents, as upbringing and communication hold significant importance during the formative years.
A parent's perspective is essential for their child's growth. When parents recognize their child's talents and provide support, it significantly enhances their development. A child's self-esteem depends mainly on their parents' view of them, shaping their entire childhood. As the child matures, peers' opinions at school become increasingly important, but even during adolescence, self-reflection prevails.
Nowadays, a child can learn about their interests, strengths, and talents in numerous ways, from online quizzes to participation in clubs and extracurricular activities. With numerous hobbies available, something as common as quadbiking may become a child's focus merely due to the lack of other options.
Can quadbiking be a cry for help, a way for the child to express tiredness and yearn for independence from the real world?
That might be another story altogether. For instance, if a child finds solace in creative pursuits like writing poetry, drawing, or even communicating with themselves, that's a healthy escape from reality. But if this escape involves jumping around in a group setting, it may be more concerning due to potential safety risks.
It's not uncommon for parents to be physically present but emotionally absent. Are we any wonder that children rebel against the restrictions of being told who to be, what to do, what to think?
Indeed, children grow up in different circumstances.
What's the solution?
Communication is crucial for establishing a strong bond between parents and children. Shared leisure time, family meals, and experiences are important for a child's development, helping avoid the need for them to retreat into a fantasy world. Parents can't leave their children completely to their own devices, as their ability to plan and set goals only fully develops at 17.
School and books used to play significant roles in shaping a child's perspective, but now, many children barely read, and schools have lost their unquestioned authority. A lack of proper guidance and developmental opportunities may result in children resorting to unusual means, such as quadbiking, to attract attention or express their desires.
Quadbikes fit seamlessly into today's world of cuteness, magical ponies, unicorns, sparkles, and rainbows.
It seems so. I'll be a kitty, it's so... cute and wonderful.
Frequently, children's games lack dynamics, conflict, and most importantly, adventure. These elements are essential for cognitive flexibility and brain function.
Are games among quadbikers more interactive?
In this regard, it's easier for children to communicate and work together in quadbiking groups, but safety remains a concern. The possibility of injury is always a risk, even during complex coordination sports, where accidents can happen.
Rally of Resistance
The more you prohibit something, the more intriguing it becomes. And with parents tired from juggling work and countless responsibilities, children desperately seek attention and a way to communicate their needs.
If children feel overlooked, ignored, or misunderstood, they may resort to unconventional methods, such as quadbiking, to get a reaction, even if it's negative.
What changes should parents make to avoid pushing their children toward extreme behavior?
Parents should actively engage in their children's lives, nurturing an open, supportive environment where children feel heard and understood. By fostering mutual trust and communication, parents can effectively address their children's concerns and help guide them toward healthier choices. It's essential to remember that no parent wants their child to suffer or be harmed.
A psychologist's role in such situations is to serve as a neutral third party, helping families work through their challenges and navigate difficult emotions. With professional guidance, parents can better understand their children's behaviors, improve their relationships, and create a more harmonious home environment.
If a family encounters persistent issues that require outside assistance, there are various resources available, including trusted friends, school counselors, or professional organizations that offer support and advice.
What are some common signs that a child requires help and guidance?
Changes in behavior, such as mood swings, sudden moodiness, withdrawal, poor appetite, or difficulty sleeping, can indicate that a child needs attention and support. Even if the child seems unfamiliar or unable to express their feelings, they still communicate their struggles.
Is trust ever beyond repair, and when should a child seek professional help?
Rebuilding trust might be challenging, but it's never impossible, especially with children who are willing to work toward reconnecting with their parents. If trust has been broken due to circumstance, such as separation or divorce, parents and children can find help through therapy or counseling to rebuild their relationship.
In any case, it's never advisable for a child to face challenges alone. If communication with parents is strained, or if a child feels unable to discuss their concerns with loved ones, seeking help from a therapist or licensed professional can provide the necessary support.
For guidance on raising a happy, healthy child, parents can always turn to trained professionals and educational resources to enhance their understanding of child development and parenting techniques.
I'm not sure if a child's fascination with quadbiking always signifies a cry for help or a way to express a yearning for independence. On the topic of children's imaginative escapes, one might wonder if the disapproval of a child dressing up as a cat mask versus a superhero relates more to the label of the costume or its underlying meaning in mental health and health-and-wellness.
Society often views a child who has dedicated their life to a sports activity as "normal," but shows disapproval for a child setting their own rules, even when those rules involve healing self-expression through play. However, it's essential to address mental health implications when a child's imaginative escape becomes too extreme, especially if it involves potential safety risks or loss of touch with reality. It is, after all, essential to remember that even in the realm of fantasy, a child's mental and physical well-being should always be considered.
