Brahbrah: How much does a child need to “play” with adults in order to be happy and psychologically healthy?
I spend a lot of time around children, and I find that, starting at age three, the first thing they ask of me is if I will “play” (usually a make believe game) with them. I don’t like “playing” this way. I enjoy talking with children, playfully interacting with babies, and playing board games with adults and children who are old enough to do so, but I don’t enjoy pretending to be a firefighter, a cat, or Winnie the Pooh. I don’t enjoy “playing dolls” in the sense of pretending the doll is saying and doing x, y, z. If I have children of my own and don’t play with them (in this sense), will I have unhappy, damaged children?
Answers and Views:
Answer by Mama Bean
Kids need to play with adults every day, but I don’t think it’s a big issue HOW you play.
I’m not good with the imagination stuff, either, but I try to fit in at least one board game a day so that they have time with me where we’re engaged in something together and having fun.
I think you’ll be okay, as long as you aren’t completely ignoring them.
Answer by OMGiamgoingNUTSOh my…once you have children of your own it’ll all fall into place. You’ll see. Don’t stress about that now. Kids will be kids regardless if they are 2 or 92. Your children will be fine, and I feel sure that you will find that playing those games that you don’t like NOW…you’ll enjoy with your own 100 times more. There’s nothing like your own. Nothing.Answer by I eat pure Crisco.
There’s no set amount of time that distinguishes healthy from unhealthy….its just important to spend quality time which does include play time. When you have your own children it will be different, just like the previous poster said….you do anything for your own children, whether that’s make believe or jumping around the house like a monkey….anything to make them happy and smile. You’ll see…you wont’ even think twice.
Leave a Reply