If I think of my childhood, we were always live-action roleplaying (LARPing). Sure, not with chainmail and real swords (or pig capes!), but we had plenty of sticks that became weapons, pine cones that serviced as grenades and what child hasn't gone through the superhero stage and worn their underwear on the outside of their sister's tights (or was that just me... and I didn't even have a sister then).
For me, childhood is where roleplaying of all kinds begins, the issue is that as we grow up we lose it. It is one of those important aspects of imaginative play that frees the brain up to learn by engaging with the world in different and fantastical ways. We should all find ways to roleplay as adults and it probably doesn't have to always involve a d20.
So, when I read a short post over at Purple Pawn that talks about a show on PBS that is actively giving children a name for LARPing and presenting it as we know it - full of wizards and costumes and castles I was stoked. We should all be inspired to keep encouraging our children to keep roleplaying. If this means helping them host How to Host a Murder Parties or encouraged themed birthday's it doesn't matter. A bit of LARPing thoughout life is a good thing.
Below is the clip where Fetch the Ruffman's nephew Glenn is talking about being a Live Action Role Player. Probably won't provide the inspiration (and please don't look for LARPing inspiration on YouTube), but, it is funny.
(via Purple Pawn)
