One of the many reasons why war toys appeal to children is that they don't require skill or practice. Learning to read or play the piano, for example, are much greater challenges and demand more work. Another reason children like war toys is that they offer them an outlet for aggression. Such feelings are perfectly normal. It is important, however, that aggression be expressed in non-violent rather than violent ways.
Families can talk about what happens when children play war games.
It is really important that children know what really happens in a war. People are hurt and killed. Games, television shows, and movies using guns seldom show the real effect of what violence does to people. It is not all right to hurt others or pretend to hurt others. Some creative suggestions for ways parents and children might deal with their war toys are As a family, talk about attitudes and feelings toward war toys and offer suggestions for alternative toys and games.