to find the 'babies' rather unsettling

[RebeccaWithTheGoodHair]

DD is 8 and an only child so playing with her dolls is really important to her. However she involves me totally in the game and although I've tried to persuade her that she's the mum and I'm the granny she's having none of that and insists she's the big sister.

However, they come bloody everywhere with us and she talks loudly to me about the 'twins' and what they're doing and tries to get me to pick them up and change their nappies or give them a bottle. It's hugely embarrassing.

I can't say I enjoy the game in any way, their horrible stare-y eyes freak me out for a start. But the other day we were in B&Q, the 'babies' went in the seat at the front of the trolley and a woman came up to me and said she'd thought they were real at first. I felt like I was one of those strange re-born women and found it hard to raise a laugh even though she was only being friendly.

There's no doubt IABU as DD is only little and the game is important to her but surely I'm not BU to find the dolls creepy and unnerving? Please tell me I'm not!!

SuperFly might have a bit of a point there. Whilst I wouldn't encourage getting a dog or cat unless you really want and are ready to care for an animal for the next 10 to 20 years. Cats destroy the house with claws, bring in dead animals and need litter boxes changing... whilst not all cats do these the majority do at least one if not all 3. Dogs are even harder and need lots of training, walks etc.

But if you have the time, money and space why not a hamster, guinea pigs even rabbits, gerbils etc. There are so many small animals to choose from. Of course you would have to make sure they were well cared for and handled correctly and generally the typical care advice is very outdated in terms of cage size, wheels etc but it could be a project to divert DD into something other than dolls.

Peach a small pet may be better.

I knew a little girl about same age as OP's DD but an only child - poor thing got a puppy but was made to walk it in all weathers, then when they moved or grandma moved in with them puppy (now a dog) was given away.

sounds like OP's DD needs a companion so pet form would work.

Peach depending on dog it won't need much training - labs are good.

2 kittens are a good idea as they have each other when DD is at school. get well socialised ones or socialise them young yourselves.

If you don't want to get a pet, what about riding lessons? They're active - and your DD might just segue into a love of horses, which is a much easier obsession to manage (although you might get sick of having to lean over gates while being lectured on horsecare by an 8 year old).

We already have 2 dogs (one of whom is a lab) and 2 cats (not to mention the numerous pretend pets ...), she loves them dearly.

The AIBU was really about finding the dolls freaky.

Dogs are very hard work and an untrained lab would be a nightmare ... I think all breeds need loads of training, its just some need loads, and some need loads and loads and loads and then loads more. Unless you get a middle aged dog which you know is already well trained, but I suspect those rarely need re-homing, and anyway will be less playful and about to get old and expensive to insure and potentially incontinent and grumpy...

Get one of those huge over sized house rabbits and treat it like a dog for no reason other than I've always rather wanted one :o

Sorry cross post!

YANBU the doll thing is freaky. I guess that is settled :o

OP but your DD may not see the pets as 'hers' so a rabbit etc would be good as her responsibility.

I personally think you're being rather unkind as she likes these dolls. how would you like it if someone took away something you really liked? MN for example!

Get one of those huge over sized house rabbits and treat it like a dog for no reason other than I've always rather wanted one grin

Oh no super perhaps I haven't been clear. I find the dolls creepy and I don't enjoy the game but I've no intention of banning it or anything.

In fact this thread has been useful because it's made me feel a bit protective of her and bad that I confessed to hating her 'sisters' so much!!

Also just to mention that one of the dogs is hers, she was 3 when we got her so they've grown up together.

I'd still get her a pet for herself maybe a hamster or suggest it?!

They don't live long luckily. I, myself at one point had mice, then a rabbit and guinea pig (he was my DB's), a hamster, my brother had a slow worm and other pets, plus dog etc... we gave away the rabbit and GP as rabbit was nasty creature who scratched and bit me!

It's good though infuriating that she's doing imaginative play and talking to you about it. Maybe she'd like drama classes?

PS - I do get it could be a bit creepy watched Chucky too many times, be thankful at least it's not a clown obsession!

You could still limit her taking them out every day. That is a bit much. Just say you dont have time to play with them today and they have to stay home.

I'd go for ferrets or rats but DP isn't keen on any more animals (by which I mean he's banned it outright and as she and I got the other 4 without asking him he's probably got the right to say that!!).

Reborn dolls and adult dolls for lonely men are creepier, if that's at all reassuring RebeccaWithTheGoodHair

Emmageddon true but you don't see many gents out with their 'lady' in B&Q

We do get loads of 'aahhhs' from the older generation who always comment you don't see many girls with 'dollies' any more ... I wonder why not!!

she will grow out of it, and before you know its One Direction, snapchat and botox

in fact, maybe the dolls are better??

I wasn't suggesting she give up playing with her dolls...not a bit of it! I was suggesting that she give up making you play with her dolls, which I think is fair enough.

But you know...carry on doing what she tells you to, even if you don't want to. We can't be saying no to her now, can we?

pictish yep absolutely. I wasn't referring to your post at all and appreciate your thoughts.

Oh I've just seen your second message. I obviously didn't understand your thoughts because otherwise I'd have said to fuck off and I'll not upset my little girl who is enjoying her fantasy game.

FWIW the AIBU wasn't asking how to parent her it was asking about finding dolls creepy.

It is a little creepy. Their beady eyes can be a bit scary.

I just don't think it's a dilemma, that's all.
I apologise if I seem snidey there - it didn't read well at all. I don't think you should tell her to fuck off.
I'm sorry for that post. I'll belt up and leave you to it.

Send the twins to Hogwarts or Mallory Towers!!

Oh OK, maybe a bit of a misunderstanding then.

PS It was you I was telling to fuck off not her but I'll rescind that handshake?