Derek Sivers: Kids believe anything fun for a while. It's called make believe because they're making up beliefs. Each belief gives them a new situation and lets them adopt a new role, like protector or inventor. We can be the hero of an exciting or romantic story. None of these statements are true, but we like the way they feel to believe.
Kids scream, “Monster in the hallway!”, and hide behind the couch. They stack up cushions for protection, and plan their defense. They know it’s not true — there’s not really a monster in the hallway — but it’s exciting to feel the adrenaline of panic, then make a shelter and feel safe.