learning-magicHave you ever watched a magic show and wondered how the magician performed all of those amazing tricks? Magic is completely fascinating for kids and adults, whether you’re out to be the next Criss Angel or you are just looking to impress your friends with rings that magically link together. There’s a lot of work in practicing the skills needed for magic, but what I’m learning is it’s also a great way to play and bond with your children.

We recently attended a small town magic show and my daughter was fascinated by the magic tricks. I knew we needed to help her explore her interest, so I started to look into magic books and sets for holiday gifts. Here are some great options for your Houdini-in-training:

Magic: Gold Edition, from Thames and Kosmos, and the Scientific Explorer Magic Science for Wizards Only Kit, from Alex Brands, are great kits that teach kids the basics, like card tricks and more. When my daughter opened her magic kit, I could see the excitement and enthusiasm she had for it. I knew it was a hit. I also quickly realized that I needed to help teach and explain how to perform the tricks, allowing for a perfect activity to unplug and do something together.

 

When teaching her, I realized it’s best to learn the tricks in small doses. We started with three simple tricks and worked to practice and perfect them. Of course, she wanted to keep learning more, but I explained that comfort is everything when it comes to magic, and each trick needs to look effortless in order to accomplish the illusion. The key is to be able to perform the trick quickly and easily, while distracting your audience from what your hands are doing.

Watching her practice has been fun, but watching her struggle has been a good lesson for both of us. She’s learning to ask for my help, and understands the importance of dedicating the time to practicing. As a parent, I’m learning to give her space to figure things out. I told her when she felt confident with her tricks we would host a little magic show.

magic costumeWhile magic kits are awesome, the fun doesn’t have to stop there. Nothing completes a great illusion like the perfect ensemble. I wanted my daughter’s show to be special because it was so important to her, so we had to make sure she looked the part. A magician is an easy costume, we were able to pull from items we already had in the house, like a solid red dress and black pants. I think the black bow tie was really what made her feel like a magician, and when I pulled out a black top hat from her play clothes it completed the look. I took it a step further and made a little sign Eleanor the Great (her name choice) making it feel like a real show.

 

As she performed her tricks, you could see how much fun she was having. I also smiled and clapped and was proud of her for giving it a try. She wants to continue to practice these tricks before moving on and I love that this isn’t an instant gratification activity/toy. It allows me to help her and unplug from everything. Plus, now I’ve got some sweet tricks to share, should I ever need need them.

Do you have a budding magician in the family or know some fun tricks?

About the author

Destiny Paquette

Destiny Paquette

Destiny Paquette runs the blog Suburban Wife, City Life. She is mom to two adorable and fun kids, and wife to Mike. Destiny works full-time in the city for Blue Man Group and lives in the suburbs of New Jersey. She writes about toys, do-it-yourself projects, travel, and life.

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