Dressing up is encouraged for young children as a form of learning through play: they learn about imagination, emotions, and communication. It also develops their problem-solving abilities and self-regulation techniques. If children can do it, so can mommy! And if it can benefit children, it can also benefit mommy! Cosplay is costumed role-playing to represent a specifically chosen admired character from any media source like comic books, anime, video games, cartoons, and more. It is an opportunity for children and adults alike to escape reality and take on a persona they choose, one that speaks to them.
Be Cool
Cosplay is an ideal hobby-turned-lifestyle that can break barriers and draw people closer together. If a mom and her child share the same love of dressing up, this is a perfect way to express that. You can be the cool mom! You get to spend quality time together, working together, with no limits in terms of gender, race, age, religion, or ability. This is about acceptance and exploration. It involves skills that may not otherwise be explored: like sewing, new make-up techniques, and craftwork. You get to “wear your art” for all to admire. Cosplay costumes can be store-bought, but most are created by the wearer from bits around the house, thrift store finds, and other parts of bought costumes. This is a big part of the pleasure: to showcase your craftsmanship in terms of design and creation. Many characters are re-imagined by the cosplayer, so you do not have to be a complete replica of what you see on the screen or the page. Your imagination has free reign to create the character as you want it to be.
Be Calm
Dressing up as a character helps many people to forget who they are, and focus on being more like who they really want to be. In this way, it can be a form of therapy for those who struggle with anxiety, depression, loneliness, and introversion. It might be a challenge to be out in public with all eyes on you, but in a costume, you have a mask (literal or figurative) to hide behind. This promotes a feeling of power and builds confidence. People will approach the “character” without knowing the real you, without seeing your fears or vulnerabilities. Everyone accepts your efforts and the achievement of participating will boost confidence remarkably.
Be Collected
Cosplayers are part of a large community that supports and encourages each other. There are very rarely negative responses to a costume or creation. It is the perfect opportunity to socialize with others who have shared interests. You can swap design and manufacture techniques and ideas. Whether you choose to visit conventions or attend online, is up to you and ultimately your budget available. You can also join groups who volunteer at children’s homes and charities – bringing the magic and enchantment of fan-culture characters to life for other people.
Cosplay is a unique creative outlet that has so many advantages for all involved. It can be done individually or in a group with family and friends. Everyone can get to participate and reap the rewards of becoming your own version of your favorite superhero.
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