Features

Celebrating 100 Years: D is for 'dressing-up'

The benefits of dressing-up and the joy that children find in it have long been recognised, but some attitudes and approaches have changed. By Annette Rawstrone
An article in 1923 suggests children like to dress up as their parents

While many of us might not have raided our mother's wardrobe for her ‘best mantle’, it can be agreed that the appeal of dressing-up has continued strongly through the generations.

One of the joys of childhood is the freedom to be able to swathe yourself in random garments and pretend to be somebody or something else. Children enjoy dressing-up and role play because it is a fun way to explore different perspectives while making sense of the world around them.

‘It often happens that, in dressing-up, a child will want to emulate its parents,’ an article in 1923 states. ‘If father happens to be connected with the Turf, his son will enjoy being a jockey, or, should father be at the bar, he will love to pose as a judge or barrister.’

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