For years, Carnival week has been a test of efficiency and manual dexterity for families: the children have to go to school following a different motto! In some cases, it can become a real pain in the neck for parents and also for some children who don't enjoy dressing up.
When dressing up does not become an ethical problem, as for example in a vegan family and the fishermen's costume, which has gone viral.
1. Forcing children to disguise themselves
Each child has their own tastes and personality and dressing up is a very important part of the child's development, as long as they see it in a positive way. If they do it well, it will help them to develop their imagination, but if they don't want to dress up, it is important to listen to them and respect them, they should not be forced to do so. Montse Busquets, child and adolescent psychologist at TREC Centre de Psicologia points out that Carnival is a festival, a playful moment and, therefore, it should not be forced on the child at all. If a child does not want this kind of protagonism, it is important to respect it.
2. Triar la disfressa a fer-la per a ell
Allow them to explore, because if the child can hide what they want to dress up as, they will be more comfortable and will enjoy it more. When parents want to educate their children towards autonomy, the children have to understand the value of the instructions and the carnival: the material has to be prepared by the children and the parents only have to do a final check.
3. Atabalar-nos massa amb el procés
All the options are valid, but if we can do it with the villain or share the process, we will enjoy a good time, in harmony, in complicity. However, with the difficulty of reconciling work and family life, all of this is a burden. If it can be done in class with the children, fantastic, and if it can be done at home, that we have a certain freedom and it is not a very complicated costume.
4. Perfectionism
We must try to live it calmly, even if the school puts pressure on us to comply with daily instructions. Carnival week can become a real ordeal not only for parents but also for children, who will see how their parents run, scream and cry because of the obligation to play these little daily games.
We must try to enjoy it and eliminate the word "demand". Carnival is a fun festival and respect must prevail. Eliminating perfectionism when it comes to making small details or costumes can be a good idea.