Not to role play with my children?

[Tinseltower]

I don’t know why but I really really dislike playing. The type where you play with figures or cars etc or even mums and dads style playing. I’ll happily play other things with them like board games or hide and seek or do things with them like baking.

I feel guilty as by middle child always asks and I deflect him into something else or suggest something I like.

Am I harming them by not playing with them?

YABU

I am the same. I physically dread it.

I would rather learn times tables.

I forced myself a couple of times but my dd had friends over and played with my parents.

She is 9 now and doesn’t seem any worse for it.

They are children, children enjoy role play - what is it you don't enjoy?
YABU

I never did it, that's why I had two children, so they could play like this together! If I had only one I might have felt more obligated...but probably would have just taken them out a lot.

I don't particularly enjoy it, but I do it because my son loves it. I think it's important.

Do you have a partner? Maybe he enjoys it and could do it?

You don't have to do it every day but now and again would be nice.

I think it’s because I don’t really like creative things. I can’t pin point it I get get full of dread! I have tried a few times but I think I unconsciously give off vibes that I don’t like it. I end up the figure being attacked and get my hands hurt or get told no say this, do that, no not like that. And then I really can’t continue past 3/4 minutes.

I wonder if there’s a way I can enjoy it more.

I’m the same, I hate it so don’t do it. My DD was very good at playing it herself and with her nursery friends and her imagination is always commented on so I don’t think she’s any worse for it!

I think it's a modern phenomenon that adults are expected to play in this way with their children. There are lots of things I enjoy doing with mine, but I have never been the kind of parent to role play, or sit on the floor stacking blocks. I just can't make myself do it. I have quite a few kids though and they all play with each other. When they were little I would say 'you do it and I'll watch' which seemed to work.

I don't enjoy it but it's a lot easier when dd says 'no do it like this mummy' because then I do it 'like that' - I don't have to have creative input and she is happy.

(I think it's important that they can enact little scenarios that they are completely in control of because so much of their life is wholly out of their control, iyswim. I kind of felt it was important for development somehow.)

I'm rubbish at this too. I have a very low boredom threshold and it's SO boring pretending to be a cat etc 😴. I much prefer being out and about, playing ball games, board games or baking, so I'll join in for as long as I can bear then suggest something else.

I tend to start them off then leave them too it. That’s what my parents always did. Sod sitting on the floor for an hour being told how to play 😂

Did it a little bit with ds1 but never enjoyed it. Then had twins that don’t need/want me at all for this. Perfect

I do s lot of 'you line the cars up/put the dollies to bed and I'll count them/sing them a song' etc etc. Anything to avoid sitting on the floor!
I hopefully make up for it but reading loads of books and giving lots of cuddles and tickles and going on lots of interesting outings. I agree it's a modern thing to be expected to entertain children all the time - I'm all for making sure they feel loved and secure but then practising a bit of benign neglect

Same here. Not my thing, so did it only to make them happy. I'm afraid it doesn't end then though. Taking DS to football game tomorrow. Don't mind so much the game itself, but it's the fact it's going to be a long tiring day (quite far away) and frankly not looking forward to it at all, but the things we do to make our children happy (which they take for granted!!).

YANBU

I don't do that either. I feel stupid.

I do crafts though and things like hide and seek like you.

You need to discover your inner child!

Hated it. Didn't do it. They're all adult now and I don't think I stunted their development.

OP As long as you do plenty of other play/activities (such as those you mentioned in your post) with your DC I'm sure they'll be fine.

quaterpast What games do you play with you kids? You won't even build blocks?

My parents didn’t do it with me and I’m fine I suppose, although my imagination is pretty lacking tbh

Am i the only one that loved it? I used Ds little figures to teach about empathy and social situations, I was in my element! Sadly hes too old for that kind of play now and i miss it.

*I am the same. I physically dread it.

I would rather learn times tables*

Goodness gracious

YANBU. As long as your children know that you like to spend time with them and have plenty of your attention, you do not need to play make-believe games. I did do it occasionally with both my dds but preferred reading stories, building blocks, jigsaws, baking etc.
They are both none the worse for it and have both won prizes in creative writing competitions so clearly managed to develop imagination, despite their mother having none.

How sad some of these posts are.