Child development: stimulating empathy through playing with dolls
Stimulate empathy as you grow up.
Learning is a very delicate age for children. During this period, in fact, character and personality are formed, and the indispensable foundations are laid to face adulthood. In the first years, the child also develops some relational skills that will be very useful for dealing with the outside world and with the other individuals and to assert themselves in life as independent and balanced people. In fact, we are not talking only about cognitive abilities, but above all about empathic abilities and the aptitude to relate to others in a healthy way. Constructively stimulating these aspects of the child's personality is therefore very important, but many parents still wonder what is the best way to do it.
For example, in a complex period like the one we are experiencing due to the Coronavirus, where inevitably the child's contacts are less frequent and the possibilities of interaction still reduced, how can we stimulate empathy and relational skills in him? Surely one way to help the child relate is to have him take care of someone else, based on his age. Feed a pet, bring a small gift to a neighbor, or why not, play with dolls!
The role of dolls.
It is scientifically proven: playing with dolls stimulates empathy, both in girls and boys, because it allows them to identify with other clothes: the child learns to manage different situations and discovers the importance of confrontation and dialogue. The studies carried out by Mattel, in conjunction with neuroscientists from Cardiff University have also shown that playing with dolls, even independently, allows children to develop important interpersonal skills. And empathy plays a fundamental role in undoubtedly. their. growth because it contributes to forming more balanced and aware adults and also better parents.
It is well known that the Barbie doll, for years, has helped to raise generations of boys and girls: what is now being stated in a proven and scientific way is that Barbie stimulates not only creativity but also empathy. Barbie therefore has a fundamental task towards children all over the world, both boys and girls, allowing them to identify with different scenarios and social interactions. Is there anything more important in a child's development?
How and why Barbie can stimulate empathy.
One of the most important findings to emerge from the Cardiff University study is that doll play activates precisely those areas of the brain that allow children to develop important skills such as empathy. This is why Barbie can be considered a real tool capable of making children's solitary play not only enjoyable but also useful. In fact, the doll becomes a real playmate for the child, able to take on different roles and therefore infinite possibilities for interaction and comparison. It is very important for parents to encourage their children to express themselves freely while playing with dolls: this will allow them to discover in a natural and non-invasive way the interests of the little ones but also their fears and all those little things that concern the world of children. smaller.
Barbie offers children a double advantage, the possibility of traveling with the imagination but above all the possibility of developing those social skills essential to become healthy, balanced and responsible adults. And all this while they play and have a lot of fun!
