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Dd doesn’t play with toys, am I a failure?

33 replies

CalculatingSuccess · 11/03/2023 09:56

Dd does not play with toys. She never has done. She is nearly 6. Have I got her the wrong toys? Am I playing with her the wrong way? Is it too late to learn how to play? I have spent the past 6 years sat with her, letting her take the lead and joining in but she just doesn’t play with toys no matter what I try. I am worried that I have ruined her brain development. Help!

OP posts:
C4ou56 · 11/03/2023 10:24

You could pick up a small trampoline from decathlon for her to use in the house. I have one for my daughter to tire her out. We set it up in the living room and store it in the garage when not in use

WandaWonder · 11/03/2023 10:32

My child never really played with toys and preferred real versions of things

I didn't assume it was right or wrong it just was

Beamur · 11/03/2023 10:36

It sounds like you're doing fine and just need to dial back the TV time.

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Zola1 · 11/03/2023 10:37

My eldest was never overly interested in toys..she's almost 13 and in top sets, competes national level in her sport etc. I wouldn't worry too much.
I found she absolutely loved musicals when she was about 3 and something that really captured her attention was when we would put the soundtrack on the speakers and sing and dance around pretending to be the people from the show. She liked making picnics and parties for teddies but was more interested in the creation (making banners and cards, setting things out etc). She liked painting and craft. More than anything though tbh she just liked being outside we used to go out for a walk etc every afternoon. She was an only child at the time.
I now have 3 under 8 as well and they play really well but I think it's because they have siblings close in age...plus a lot of the play is actually not with toys, it's more running round roaring at each other and screaming

converseandjeans · 11/03/2023 10:41

DS never played with any toys & wasn't massively into kids things like zoos. He just always wanted to play footie and would happily come shopping or go to park. He wasn't interested in TV so always needed entertaining which was exhausting. We just used to go out a lot & tried to have friends over. Otherwise he would just get bored & be a pain.

Does DD do any weekend activities? We found it got easier once he had footie matches each weekend. Just wondering if you could have a regular activity like footie, swimming, gym.

I eventually just boxed up Lego & toys like that which never got used. I just don't think all children enjoy that sort of playing.

riotlady · 11/03/2023 15:52

When DD was a toddler and I was trying to encourage her to play independently, I saw something about an “invitation to play”. Basically you just set up some toys in an interesting way and leave it there without comment for them to find and interact with- so a bunch of teddies set out with plates and cups like a picnic, or a little farm or a race track. Might be worth a go?

Darhon · 11/03/2023 16:33

She sounds like she really enjoys physical stuff. One of mine was ‘flips and tricks’ as I used to say. Any gymnastic clubs near by, orienteering is also a good minority sport and you can start by doing this on your phone. Basically look at minority sports. They tend to be a bit more low key and more fun than some of the traditional stuff. Swimming lessons too.

DrHousecuredme · 11/03/2023 16:38

She sounds fine to be honest, perhaps she'll be quite sporty as she seems to enjoy trampolining, climbing, swimming etc. If you've hovered and got anxious over toys they probably make her a bit anxious too now.
Have you ever got something out EG Lego and just spent half an hour building something for yourself? Absolutely no pressure for her to join in but just let her see you relaxing and enjoying it. Her interest might be piqued that way.
Also, with an only child, organise lots of play dates so she has people to play with and you're not a constant entertainment committee of one.

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