Magic for Grandparents (and others old enough to know better!)

While selling little magical items at farmers markets several years ago, I had a variety of customers.  There were been the kids with their allowance money, many of whom became repeat customers.  There were parents who, sometimes without the children present bought magical effects for the kids and, in one case, brought her son back for the brief lesson that always came with the purchase.  There were grandparents who bought magic.  And there were a couple of occasions where the magic was not bought for the child, but to perform for the child.

While not all magicians perform for children, I learned early on in my magical career that I love to be able to say to a child, “Would you like to see some magic?”  I love the look on a child’s face when the magical surprise happens, whether it is the red silk from behind their ear, or the bunnies multiplying in their hand, or the string visually passing through their thumb.  Yes, I perform for adults and can do adult parties as well, but my forte is family events and I especially love doing magic for children.

What I think has not been emphasized enough is that “magician magicians” – those of us who regularly perform magic for groups – are not the only ones who can enjoy this marvelous, enriching experience.  Parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles and godparents and older friends can learn stunning magic that can fascinate the children in our lives.  Teachers can use an illusion as a break, or a reward, or as an example of a lesson.  Mentors can use magic to build the relationship with their mentee.  One can easily use magic to bond with a child and add to the charm and power of the moment.

Even children as young as 3 years old (or maybe even a few months younger) can begin to understand tricks that end with “GONE.”  And from that, tricks that have things appearing from and disappearing into an empty box or a bag or even into an empty hand.  My (then) 3 year old neice was adorable as she waved her hand over the small drawer box I carried and said”Abadaba!”  And young children seem to be endlessly charmed by something pulled from behind their ear.  (NOTE:  BEHIND the ear, we don’t put things INTO our ear, now do we?)

One can enhance their reputation as a special aunt or uncle or grandpa or grandma – or as a really cool mom or dad – by having a few simple magic tricks “up their sleeve.”  Speaking figuratively, of course.   And one need not have a large case of props.  A few simple items, a small bag, perhaps just items you carry in a pocket, and you can be truly magical.  Remember that evn simple magical effects can become real magic, since the real magic is in the relationship of the magician and the person watching the magic.

Visit me at one of the farmers markets in South Elgin (through August) or St. Charles (through October) or contact me and I can introduce you to some of the wonderful little illusions you can use to entertain and mesmerize the children in your life.

The only thing more fun than being able to say, “Would you like to see some magic?” is to see the look of surprise and wonder and delight on their faces when the magic happens right in front of them.