To eat or to be eaten?  (Provided photo — Diane Chase)

My children often asked if I could be any animal, what would I be? Their answers ranged from the smallest insect to the largest predator. Where they wanted to land on the food chain depended on their circumstances. Did they want to hide? They would become a chameleon, changing color to suit their surroundings. Were they angry? They wanted the power of the largest mammal or to become the king of the jungle.

I never invested too much time into the game because my one requirement was to be on top of the food chain. The kids got bored when I answered, “I don’t want to be eaten alive.” You would think that statement would cause mass hysteria, but my children are used to me. My husband rolled his eyes, wondering why I couldn’t just go along with the game. How could I when each scenario ended with someone becoming breakfast, lunch, or dinner? To have wings and the ability to fly didn’t outweigh being something else’s meal. (Wings can be gotten with a pilot’s license.)

Obviously, I am fully invested in being any mystical creature. Bring on mermaids, fairies, unicorns, and dragons. I’d even go so far as to say, if it wouldn’t have terrified my youngsters, I could have entire conversations about the benefits of becoming a vampire, the Tooth Fairy, or Jack Frost. The reason is simple, though the following statement may shock a few people. One set of animals are real and mythical creatures are not. I can make up the rules involving my imaginary beasts.

I recently discovered that the animal game provides a distinct purpose. It allows children to work out their place in the world. They start observing nature and how animals interact. Through observation and exploration, they can conquer fears and anxiety toward animals. Children learn death is natural and the importance of maintaining a healthy food chain. Choosing to be different animals also helps expand children’s imaginations.

As a parent, it did give me a chance to ask why. Was there any reason they needed the strength of a lion or to hide like a chameleon? Most of the time, the answer was no. They just wanted animal superpowers. For me, I’ll stick to the top of the food chain. Thank you very much.