Are all children happy when they see mascot？
In many activities, we can see mascots representing the spirit of a team or brand. Often, these mascots become the center of attention, playing a crucial role in breaking the ice and energizing the atmosphere. They are loved not only by adults but also by children, who may even treat them as companions, constantly hugging them to express their affection. However, do all children love them? Not necessarily! Mascots are often large in size, which can be intimidating to young children. Many children may show signs of fear when approached by mascots, opting to watch from a distance. Parents should remember not to force their children to accept interaction with mascots. Insisting on pushing children forward for photos or interactions may not be wise. A child's reaction to mascots is related to their age and level of maturity. According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development in children, different age groups react differently to mascots, and there are various stages:
1. Sensorimotor Stage (0-2 years old)
Infants and toddlers react to mascots through sensory experiences (sight, sound, touch).
-They might reach out to touch or grasp a mascot, exploring its texture and shape.
- Mascots with bright colors, music, and movement can captivate their attention.
2. Preoperational Stage (2-7 years old)
- Children begin to use symbols and language to understand mascots.
- They might see mascots as friendly characters, but still struggle to understand their abstract representations (e.g., a mascot representing a team or brand).
- Kids in this stage enjoy imaginative play with mascots, using them as props in their games.
3. Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 years old)
- Children develop logical thinking and can understand mascots as concrete objects with specific meanings.
- They can recognize and remember mascots associated with favorite teams, brands, or products.
- Kids in this stage enjoy collecting mascot merchandise and interacting with mascots in person.
4. Formal Operational Stage (11-15 years old and up)
- Adolescents develop abstract thinking and can understand mascots as symbols with deeper meanings.
- They might analyze and critique mascot designs, backstories, and marketing strategies.
- Kids in this stage can see mascots as representations of their identity, interests, or values.
Keep in mind that these stages are approximate and individual developmental pace may vary. Piaget's theory provides a framework to understand how kids' thinking evolves, but it's essential to consider each child's unique cognitive and social development.
Generally speaking, children above kindergarten age tend to have a more mature understanding of mascots. Parents should empathize with the possibility that their child may reject mascots, understanding that it's not merely a matter of the child being timid, but rather that children's cognitive development varies at different stages, leading to different levels of understanding. Parents must respect the wishes of their children!
Children under the age of seven often perceive mascots as imaginative objects or characters in their play. This is why Teletubbies became immensely popular among young children. Their actions and behaviors serve as templates for children's play behaviors. Children often find joy in repetitive actions during play. By closely observing the behaviors of Teletubbies, who use repetitive language and actions, children's impressions are deepened. Therefore, many parents watching Teletubbies together often find it puzzling why the same thing is said repeatedly. It turns out, children also begin learning through imitation and repetition! It's like the saying, "important things should be said three times." I believe parents probably repeat themselves several times when asking their teenagers to tidy up their messy socks. If there were a mascot role model that could persuade children to tidy up chores and go to bed early, parents would surely love it!
Comments