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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think kids still want to play at 7/8?

66 replies

RexMyDarling · 21/05/2023 13:35

Was chatting to a mum who’s dd (7)is in the same year 3 class as my dd (8) and they are good friends. The teacher told the other mum that her daughter was immature because she’s still interested in dolls. Her daughter tends to spend time with other children who are also immature and talk about dolls apparently so teacher clearly means my dd!

I’m sure I was still playing with dolls at that age and beyond and still playing imaginary games until at least 11/12.

is the teacher bu? Or am I? What do ‘normal, mature’ kids play with at 7/8?

OP posts:
Feckadoodledoo · 21/05/2023 13:37

ODG how did that woman become a primary school teacher 😳🤣🤦🏼‍♀️

Quinoawoman · 21/05/2023 13:43

Primary teacher here. It's normal for girls to still play with dolls at that age.

Mountainpika · 21/05/2023 13:43

Play is as important at age 78 as it is at age 7/8.

Nothinglefttogiv · 21/05/2023 13:46

Totally normal to play with dolls/toys at that age. I'd assume the teacher is young/immature herself and only has experience of 7/8yos on phones ad gaming devices which is sad.

BakedTattie · 21/05/2023 13:46

My nearly 10 year old still plays with dolls 🤷🏼‍♀️

thelinkisdead · 21/05/2023 13:51

My 10 year old still plays sometimes! It’s perfectly normal. I’d much rather he was playing games with his brother than sitting in front of a screen

headache · 21/05/2023 13:56

I find that so sad. Play is so important for learning. My DC were still playing age 11/12.

I asked a 5 to what he was getting for his birthday the other day and he said an iPhone 14. I thought that was also sad. Call me old fashioned but plenty of time to be glued to phones should be a bike or other toy.

StephanieSuperpowers · 21/05/2023 13:56

The little girls here on our road are 7-10 and often play dolls on the green together. I see no reason why that would be unusual. They're all doing well, just friends playing imaginative games.

Playtime being over by 7 is bizarre to me.

DorritLittle · 21/05/2023 14:02

ODG indeed. Wonder if that teacher has children. My daughter played with dolls until almost 11. Big dolls mainly but also Barbies and she requested playmobil for her 10th bday. I actually found she played with dolls more when she was older than younger.

I think she only stopped because she got a phone!

avocadotofu · 21/05/2023 14:05

That's totally normal at that age.

Saucemonkey · 21/05/2023 14:08

It’s normal for children to have a childhood. What a stupid teacher.

CrackersCheeseAndWinePlease · 21/05/2023 14:12

My dd is 7 and her bedrooms full of dolls and she plays with them regularly

jay55 · 21/05/2023 14:13

Why would anyone want a 7 year old to be mature? They've 50 plus years for that.

Aaaaandbreathe · 21/05/2023 14:17

What a terrible thing for her to say! She's basically encouraging parents to stop their children playing or else they are immature, I think I'd have to have a word with her about that.

Completely normal at that age, nothing to do with maturity and shows good imaginative skills.

Is she a young teacher? Also seems strange she reckons its immature when there are other children doing the same. Surely that makes it clear it's a completely normal thing for their age group.

Aaaaandbreathe · 21/05/2023 14:19

jay55 · 21/05/2023 14:13

Why would anyone want a 7 year old to be mature? They've 50 plus years for that.

Good point. Should have said 'immature for their age'.

squidgybits · 21/05/2023 14:20

I saw a 10/11 year old walking out of Asda with a space helmet on and it made me smile, kids should be kids

Daisychainsandglitter · 21/05/2023 14:35

My DD plays with dolls (in fact playing with them now) and she is very nearly 9.
She has lots of other interests too. I think it's totally normal.

LakeTiticaca · 21/05/2023 14:41

I still had my Tressie doll with the wind up/wind down hair at 12.
I would still be playing with her now if she was still around (I'm over 60😁)
Kids grow too fast already, let them enjoy childhood innocence for as long as possible

PuttingDownRoots · 21/05/2023 14:42

Mine are 10 (Primary school) and 11 (Secondary school). The barbies ate suddenly having a revival... I reckon they will be ignored again soon, but its a harmless activity for now.

They also like going out with friends, sports, films etc.

MumMcphee · 21/05/2023 14:42

I was thinking about this recently, as a few girls have called DD (7) babyish at school as she still likes dolls and certain toys/games. I told her it didn’t matter what anyone else thinks, as long as she’s happy.

namechanged221 · 21/05/2023 14:43

My 14 year old boy just played a stunning around pretend chase type game with his friend in the garden! They are still children.
Let them enjoy it!!!

namechanged221 · 21/05/2023 14:44

Running around not stunning

towriteyoumustlive · 21/05/2023 14:45

How on earth can a teacher say that?!? Kids should be encouraged to play and use their imagination for as long as possible, which is what happened before tablets and phones were invented.

I'd be far more worried about a child that didn't want to play with toys and only wanted a screen!

I'm a secondary school teacher and can easily identify kids whose parents have just handed them a screen to entertain them from a young age, as they often lose the ability to think for themselves.

DuringDinnerMints · 21/05/2023 14:46

My 9 and 6 yr olds are currently playing jungle explorers with their teddies. Totally normal at that age.

ladyvimes · 21/05/2023 14:50

My very grown up, sensible, intelligent 11 year old still plays with her our generation dolls. She asked for a new playmobil set for Xmas too. No need for her to stop playing until she is ready! Don’t think it’s got anything to do with maturity. Plenty of adults like playing with toys! Look at the amount of adults into Lego and pokemon!!