Hi,
True fear is a signal that says : careful, danger is coming! As for false fear, it is a game that enables the child to replay the frightful situations which he experienced . He does so his way, in his world, with his marks and words and decides on the epilogue. That almightyness is very pleasant.
The ogre, the witch and the wolf play their part from the age of 2 or 3. The child's universe is transforming with the "it's allowed, it's forbidden". He discovers the distinction between what's allowed and what's not. The wolf and its accomplices, through the fear they inspire, remind him that harsh law, necessary for social life.
Playing to scare themselves evolves when they get around 6 or 7, the age of reason. Then games start with ritual formulas such as " I'd say I'd be...", etc. They signal the children's entry into the imaginary world. The child is capable of identifying himself with his heroes. He doesn't only imitate Captain Hook with a plastic sword, he becomes the terrible pirate. That power enables him to put himself in grownups' shoes. He can be the one that scares and can take the place of the strongest.
May the girls get ready to that celebration which isn't so poular over here in France.
Marie
NB Je n'ai employé que le pronom masculin. A toi de voir s'il convient de mettre le féminin partout ou bien he/she - his/her, etc.
