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Children and Re-Enactment - Page 2

© Megan McConnell

As re-enactors, we must always be willing to impart knowledge in such a way that we do not seem to be condescending - and it is a pity but a lot of adults tend to sound like this when speaking to children. Trust me - they are a lot more intelligent than they want us to believe and are very easy to inspire.

Children of re-enactors are special - they learn about history from the time they are born and also tend to be very keen to participate in group or team events. I know that teachers enjoy having them in their classes because they have learnt to be polite and considerate - mostly because this is what is expected of them when they attend events.

And believe me: children do enjoy events. To prove this, I have a story to tell you that I think that you will enjoy.

I am a member of the SCA and I have no children - but my cousin (who is also a re-enactor) has 2 and they are 5 & 7 (I think - at least I know that the youngest is 5). They love coming to events, but like most children, prefer to run around rather than to sit and chat.

The most amazing thing I saw, however, was the reaction when the Herald announced that the tourney was about to begin. Well - these kids came bounding back to where we were sitting and sat down so that they could best see the list field.

And did not move for 2 hours whilst the tourney took place.

They were completely involved in what was happening - from cheering the victors, to taunting and commiserating with losers.

I have seen children want to learn to fight themselves - and have demanded a Marshall be present and will only fight in the list: because that is the rules.

Children at events also enjoy being helpful - if you give them a job to do - something to be responsible for (even if it is just being in charge of seeing that there is always plenty of water in the container) they will do it - and take pride in doing it well.

Don't leave children out of events - but always make sure that they are supervised. If you do this, then both you and you and you children will enjoy the event.

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