*HARRUMPH*

[grassangel]

Hmph.

Just as I posted my last entry, ANN's Answerman answered a question about kids and fandom.

I wouldn't go to the lengths to cosplay at my own wedding. (Well, maybe. If CLAMP ever illustrates an easily adaptable dress that looks suitable for a wedding, maaaybe...) But every parent that's ever existed has subjected their child to programs they like. I was raised on a diet of Antiques Roadshow, Star Trek, Keeping Up Appearances and assorted other UK shows. I also listened to my parent's classical music, The Beatles, Queen and Ricky Martin.
We still watch the new episodes of Antiques Roadshow and Doctor Who episodes together.
I have a CD of the Beatles on my laptop as well as a few classical tracks.

So would I make them watch (for the sake of argument, even though they won't be around then) Bleach and Spice & Wolf? Yes. And I would also make them watch Antiques Roadshow and any other programs I liked that were on.
I'd also let them watch other stuff that's on during the kiddy times. And I'd probably watch some of it with them. You never know, I might like it as well. (My dad's dorky like this. He'll watch The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy while I'm reading. Both of my parents will watch Avatar with me. My mum liked watching CCS and knows that Orihime has a crush on Ichigo.)
Although, for posterity's sake, I would NEVER allow any progeny of mine to watch such drivel as HSM. NEVER.

When they're old enough to go "but I don't want to watch this mummy~" (probably about 12-13?) then I'll just get the laptop and headphones and sit in the lounge while they watch whatever. Or let them go to the library or park or whatever. And continue with my life.


The whole cosplay thing? It's like number 5 in my list of things I want to be/do when I'm much older. Except they do have a choice. (basically, a "Their costume is awesome! I want one!" would suffice)
Although, like whenever I evaluate something for cosplay potential, practicality comes to mind. Since NZ has virtually no cons, and I DON'T want to travel to Auckland or Christchurch or wherever else I'm not living there is a convention, OTT costumes would be limited to local con/expo and Halloween.
And no way would I sew something that'd be worn a max of three times for a growing child.
So something that could also be worn part of regular clothing would be made. (Which is why I kinda want to make Himawari's school costume sooner than her kimono. I could wear the jacket and skirt on separate occassions and be casually cosplaying!)  So that cuts down the outfits drastically.

If I ever moved to somewhere which had a lot of cosplay opportunites and they wanted to go and show off and have fun, sure, I'd put that extra effort in. (And possibly get one done for me~~) (Family group cosplays are really cute. There was a Star Wars family at Wellygeddon this year. The mini-Jedi were adorable.)
But still, a "I want their costume!" would be needed. Or at least a "Okay, I'll wear that".

Of course, that opportunity would go when they're ten. Me asking if they wanted to cosplay something.
If they still want to cosplay then, they're learning how to help me sew the costume.

Sewing's an important skill after all.
(Nevermind the fact I'd get them to help papier mache props when they're four. Prop making is one of the craftiest and kid-friendly cosplay related activities that exist. >w< Yes, when I was five I was papier mache-ing masks and constructing giant swords. I had a an absolute ball.)

This still doesn't answer the question of when dressing up becomes cosplay.
But at least that lesbian couple who cosplayed as Naruto and Sasuke (raising yet again the question of if that's yuri or yaoi) for an informal marriage ceremony (gay marriage wasn't legal where they were) won't be at risk of having any kids spontaneously.