I have done puppetry off and on for over thirty years and have had difficulty in performing in front of children at the age of 2 and under.  It seems that, generally speaking, children under the age of three have difficulty telling the difference between what is real or unreal.  I want children to know that the puppets do not really come to life (because some people view this as magic, sorcery and witchcraft.)  So, what I do is find out if there is anyone in the audience who is under the age of three and bring out the puppets to them to see up close.  I ask the child to touch the puppet and if the child is afraid to touch it, chances are they think it could be real.  Then I explain to them that it is just a doll and not real.  It seems that, most of the time, they catch on to what I am telling them.  Let me know what you have experienced with this and what you have done.  Have you encountered people who refuse to allow you to do puppets, for reasons mentioned in this blog? I have!

I personally disagree with the idea that puppetry is not for those under 2 years of age. If they think that a puppet is real then they are going to think other inanimate objects like their teddy bear is real.  It is part of growing up. Most child development experts feel this fantasy or imaginary world is important.

It works on Sesame Street...just sayin'

My experience has been that even children 2-3 years old enjoy my puppets. And I do not feel it is necessary to explain how a puppet works. Children have a need for play in order for their brains to develop correctly and puppets provide that in a very wonderful way. There is nothing wrong with imagining that something is real - that is part of play after all and enhances the formation of brain connections/synapses. Frankly a good puppeteer needs to imagine that their puppet is real in order for the movements to be realistic,and the character to be well developed. I have never had someone tell me I am using magic, sorcery or witchcraft when I perform with my puppets. Frankly, that is just plain ridiculous!! Anyway, I have had some of the 2 & 3 year olds enjoy my shows as much as the older kids! Just my 2 cents worth.

I agree that 2-3 year olds enjoy puppets, but I don't want them to be deceived into thinking that they "really do come to life." Maybe, that's just my personal conviction, but I feel I must stay with my convictions.  I truly believe in developing an imagination in a child, as long as it is done in the right way.  It is hard to find plays for that age group, as far as something for which they can easily relate.  Children at that age usually laugh when others laugh or when the puppets "do" something funny, so I sometimes wonder if they understand any of it.  A two year old's attention span is about 2 minutes long, so your plays have to be very short as well as their vocabulary, if you want to reach them.  It is important to "teach" children, but also at the same time, it is also important to "reach" them, too!

I found Big bird creepy when i was little.

I think when you work with the very little ones you have to look to them what their reaction is. I work at a day care centre, kids are from 3 months until 4. Somewhere around the age of two they going to interact with the puppet and the puppet is a living person. When they are 1 they can have a distants but they always look to the puppet Most of the times I take their favorite cuddle where I make voices or let it walk, play or give the child a hug. 99,9% love it................

A two-year-old doesn't have an adult understanding of what a puppet is, he has a two-year-old understanding. As he grows, his perceptions will grow and change as well. My 11-month-old grandson laughs and laughs when I play with him with a puppet. He isn't taking any clues from anyone else, because it's just the two of us. I agree that if a child is afraid of a puppet we must be careful. The idea isn't to scare. But the fun that puppets can provide also create a very valuable pathway not just for entertainment, but for education through entertainment.

You are completely wright. It is hard to explain is English what I mean. If I could react in Dutch I would something like that and more... sometimes I wanted that I could speak really good English my knowledge comes to short now and then

gompie,

Remember you are always welcome to post in Dutch also if you want. That way you can express yourself fully for our other Dutch speaking members.   I would say since we are mainly an English speaking membership that is is good that you also post in English just in case the translators don't do a good job.