Surprisingly, studies show no link between playing with toy weapons in childhood and aggression in adulthood.
Play has been linked to social and cognitive development. Through imaginary games, children learn how to control impulses, delay gratification, think symbolically, and view things from another's perspective. Play also allows children to act out their fears and aspirations. "As a little boy, you're not very powerful," Thompson says. "With a gun, you feel powerful and heroic."
That doesn't mean this type of play is about violence, however. According to Thompson, it's really about dominance and heroism, winning and losing, and who gets to be the good guy in the end.
Read the entire interesting article at webMD by clicking HERE
