Boys and imagine play

Anon Imperfect Mum

Boys and imagine play

I have a 6 year old boy and I’m really struggling to partake in imagination based play. We do lots of other things together (cook garden play bored games so on) but I dread him asking for me to just play with him.
I do try but it’s kinda half assed and do anything to avoid or cut short the play time and as he’s getting older I feel he’s starting to notice. He is a only child
Not even sure what I’m asking but I feel as tho I can’t let this continue but I can’t work out where to start to fix this
Any advice would be awesome

Posted in:  Health & Wellbeing, Kids

7 Replies

Anon Imperfect Mum

I have always said one child is harder than two because of this so I had four of them 😂. All I can suggest is inviting a friend over or just start telling him gently no and explaining why. You already do fun things with him you can't be expected to play with him all the time. You could also try a pet if you don't have one already! My youngest got a bit lonely at that age and he and the dog were best buddies, he would teach him tricks and make him part of his adventures in the back yard.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Just stop over thinking it. I am definitely not the imaginative play type but after 5 kids I’ve just learnt to stop worrying about what I think, what others think. I sing, make silly voices, dance, make up crazy stories, and just go with it. The easiest game in the world is hospitals. I lay on the lounge and complain and they are Drs.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Oh and watch some Bluey for good ideas

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Anon Imperfect Mum

I don’t play with my kids that often. We already have to do everything else. Encourage solo play and using his imagination. Invite friends over. Go to the park so he can mingle. We can’t do it all/ be it all. We are mums not play mates.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Sometimes it can be as simple as an attitude change. Cherish it. Tell yourself you’ll enjoy it. Be positive.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

I had to fake it.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

I don't have advice, but just wanted to share some solidarity - I hate it too!! I try to just focus on being present with her and not be self conscious.

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