I have a 6 year old and a 3 year old. My kids love for me to play with them of course. Lately instead of playing with toys or playing games they always want to play make-believe. They pretend they're a horse or some other animal and they want me to play along. It's not so bad except it ends up being them telling me what to say every moment. I get frustrated with that sort of play. I'd rather do a craft or play a game or play with toys.
I don't know why I don't care for it but I feel bad turning them down when they want to play with me so I go ahead and do it sometimes, then feel bad because I am really not enjoying it. Any suggestions?
2006-09-29 13:49:44 · 8 answers · asked by Faith 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
Maybe it will help you to play this with them if you look at it from an educational point of view. Using their imagination helps to develop their minds. It will make them better in school. The problem with many kids is that they don't have an imagination anymore. They are playing video games or watching TV. Your kids are busy developing their brains with the person they love so much. They need to develop their brains- not yours, so let them tell you what they want you to say. I know if could be boring for you, but it is really great for them.
Oh, don't feel bad about telling them to play on their own. You have stuff that you have to do and they need time on their own too. It is hard, but try to balance it out. I am still trying to learn how to do this myself.
Just think, soon they won't want you to play pretend because they will be off in their own worlds with their own friends. Treasure the times and love their imaginations.
2006-09-29 17:06:57 · answer #1 · answered by kelliemag 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My children all played make-believe at around 3-7 years old games from the make believe friend to I am a cat... Sometimes these games would go on all day...
When my oldest was 4 she decided one morning she was a horse all day she was a horse she trotted and neighed she wanted oatmeal for breakfast (horses eat oats) she wanted carrots, apples, celery and oatmeal for lunch (yet again horse food) at dinner she had oatmeal, apples, carrots and I convinced her french cut green beans were sort of like hay.... Eventually they out grow the fantasy play...
In the meantime firmly guide the play away from demanding you to regurgitate what they want you to say tell them you will play but you need to play your way while they play their way it will teach them that not everything can be their way (a good lesson) and you will get less frustrated with the game... Also encourage them to interact between themselves... Children don't need us to play with them 24/7 part of the learning experience is to learn independent play... Do a craft project while you oversee their play but don't participate sometimes...
2006-09-29 20:35:21 · answer #2 · answered by Diane (PFLAG) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow!!
Consider yourself lucky! I had to introduce the concept of imagination to my children. When they play make believe they are using a part of the brain that precious few use any more. They are practicing being creative, not having the world spoon fed to them by TV, Games, or adults wanting to do crafts.
It may be hard for you, but I encourage you to encourage them to continue to be creative. With the older one, as your "make believe" works on, have the child create a story using the characters of their imagination. It then satisfies your desire to sit at a table and do something (you can write out the story) and satisfies your child's need to be creative (he/she is telling you what the horse says, and does)
It is this imagination that lead people like Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, and Emily Dickinson to their respective fame. Keep it going!
2006-09-30 02:00:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Allot a time to play with them. Once that 15 (or 20) minutes is up, stop playing with them and revert to your normal self. That will keep you sane and also draw the line with your children bossing you around. They need time with you, but let them understand that you cannot keep up with this all day. Suggest they go out to the garden or park to capture some bandits or some pirates. My mom used that on my sis and I and it worked.
2006-09-29 13:59:13 · answer #4 · answered by boo! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are only little for a short time,,,, enjoy that time and play what they enjoy,, they will always remember.... when I was little I played mommie every day with a doll, and always visited my mom,,, she always played like it was all real, I will never forget these times as long as I live.
2006-09-29 13:54:13 · answer #5 · answered by avery 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My coach's children always make me play all sorts of games but the difference is that i enjoy it. maybe get a babysister or hire a nanny good luck!
2006-09-29 15:10:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are your kids. Pretend to enjoy it for, their sake. They will appreciate it later. When they are grown and gone they will always have the memories of playing with their mom.
2006-09-29 14:10:04 · answer #7 · answered by Mama of two 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you do not want to play "make believe", that's OK....what you can do is tell them you like the way they do it....then ask them to put a play on for you.....that will encourage their imagination and no doubt you will have fun watching them...praise them for all their hard work...applaud....and they will be better performers in life....we all perform in life and make believe...it's called "faith". Have Fun...and God bless you
2006-09-29 13:59:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋