8 year old boy's play - is this "normal"??
30 answers /
Last post: 16/12/2023 at 7:06 pm
Anonymous
26/03/2012 at 12:27 pm
My son is 8 and I am aware that he is a bit immature for his age, probably due to the fact that he has dyslexia and sensory processing difficulties.
Firstly, I am not concerned that he is autistic – this has already been ruled out and it was concluded that any autistic traits he does display are due to the sensory processing difficulties (particularly hates noise). I also know through the dyslexia testing that he is of normal, average intelligence.
The sensory processing problems mean that he does not enjoy playing team games such as football like most boys his age. As a result, he tends to prefer playing with girls and his best friend at school is a girl. Due to his dyslexia, he does not read for pleasure like many kids his age. We do not have a Wii, X-Box, DS or similar, and he hasn’t really expressed any interest in having them, although he will play with these things if he visits a house that has them.
He has always been mad keen on cars, has hundreds of them and will mainly play with these at home for hours, making loud engine noises as he does so. He has a terrific imagination and gives them names and created characters for them. He has built a play town which includes a school (for cars of course) racetrack, building site etc etc. The town is made up of a variety things including, lego, train track, happyland-type houses (babyish?) and even boxes he has got from the recycling – it looks a total mess if I’m honest and I’ve told him that when we re-furb the playroom there will be lots of storage and it must be put away each night and he seems fairly accepting of this. At the moment it all stays set up and he is always adding to it and “improving” it. First thing in the morning, he will go to the car school and change the date etc on the school “white board”, get the cars to school etc and then dismiss them when he gets in from school! He plays games in his little town like school fetes, pop concert etc. His 5 year old sister usually joins in the games and has made her own contributions (is also very imaginative) but he will also play the games on his own. I do feel rather embarrassed when people come round and see all this stuff – I’m sure they must think we still have toddlers!!! He does play other games too with his sister such as pretending to be cats (!), camping using clothes airers and towels, putting on shows etc, and Scooby Doo (his favourite TV prog). He will sometimes watch TV, enjoys going out on his bike/scooter, going to the park and swimming. He loves arts & crafts, science and creating things out of rubbish!!! He has also made an “office” with a computer made from cereal packets!
He mainly plays with the same 2 friends at school, a boy and a girl, although the 3 of them will join up with other groups sometimes, mostly girls. I understand they play lots of role play type games in the playground while most of the other boys are off playing football and war!
Do you think this is cause for concern or should I embrace the fact that I have a very imaginative, if rather quirky little boy?!? Should I do more to steer him away from these things or just let him get on with it and assume he’ll grow out of it? We do plan to get a Wii/X-box in the future so maybe that’ll interest him, although ironically I realise most parents are trying to STOP their kids playing those games! At least though, my house wouldn't be such a mess with plastic tat lol!!
I recall that I played in a similar way when I was younger, was also considered quite immature and played with dolls long after most of my peers had stopped and I turned out alright!!!
I often look at the many "normal" alfa male footballing boys at school and feel a bit
though.
Firstly, I am not concerned that he is autistic – this has already been ruled out and it was concluded that any autistic traits he does display are due to the sensory processing difficulties (particularly hates noise). I also know through the dyslexia testing that he is of normal, average intelligence.
The sensory processing problems mean that he does not enjoy playing team games such as football like most boys his age. As a result, he tends to prefer playing with girls and his best friend at school is a girl. Due to his dyslexia, he does not read for pleasure like many kids his age. We do not have a Wii, X-Box, DS or similar, and he hasn’t really expressed any interest in having them, although he will play with these things if he visits a house that has them.
He has always been mad keen on cars, has hundreds of them and will mainly play with these at home for hours, making loud engine noises as he does so. He has a terrific imagination and gives them names and created characters for them. He has built a play town which includes a school (for cars of course) racetrack, building site etc etc. The town is made up of a variety things including, lego, train track, happyland-type houses (babyish?) and even boxes he has got from the recycling – it looks a total mess if I’m honest and I’ve told him that when we re-furb the playroom there will be lots of storage and it must be put away each night and he seems fairly accepting of this. At the moment it all stays set up and he is always adding to it and “improving” it. First thing in the morning, he will go to the car school and change the date etc on the school “white board”, get the cars to school etc and then dismiss them when he gets in from school! He plays games in his little town like school fetes, pop concert etc. His 5 year old sister usually joins in the games and has made her own contributions (is also very imaginative) but he will also play the games on his own. I do feel rather embarrassed when people come round and see all this stuff – I’m sure they must think we still have toddlers!!! He does play other games too with his sister such as pretending to be cats (!), camping using clothes airers and towels, putting on shows etc, and Scooby Doo (his favourite TV prog). He will sometimes watch TV, enjoys going out on his bike/scooter, going to the park and swimming. He loves arts & crafts, science and creating things out of rubbish!!! He has also made an “office” with a computer made from cereal packets!
He mainly plays with the same 2 friends at school, a boy and a girl, although the 3 of them will join up with other groups sometimes, mostly girls. I understand they play lots of role play type games in the playground while most of the other boys are off playing football and war!
Do you think this is cause for concern or should I embrace the fact that I have a very imaginative, if rather quirky little boy?!? Should I do more to steer him away from these things or just let him get on with it and assume he’ll grow out of it? We do plan to get a Wii/X-box in the future so maybe that’ll interest him, although ironically I realise most parents are trying to STOP their kids playing those games! At least though, my house wouldn't be such a mess with plastic tat lol!!
I recall that I played in a similar way when I was younger, was also considered quite immature and played with dolls long after most of my peers had stopped and I turned out alright!!!
I often look at the many "normal" alfa male footballing boys at school and feel a bit
though.0
Anonymous
26/03/2012 at 12:36 pm
He sounds like an absolute delight! 
He may not fit the 'normal' picture of boys his age but if he is happy and progressing, I'd let him be. Looking at all the things he does, he covers a wide range of activities and skills, even if they are themed towards his cars.
I know it's easier to say than to do, but I wouldn't worry about him. xx
He may not fit the 'normal' picture of boys his age but if he is happy and progressing, I'd let him be. Looking at all the things he does, he covers a wide range of activities and skills, even if they are themed towards his cars.
I know it's easier to say than to do, but I wouldn't worry about him. xx
0
Anonymous
26/03/2012 at 12:44 pm
Hi Emma,
I didn't want to just read and run!
My initial personally reaction is that your DS sounds like he is a very happy little boy with a GREAT imagination! I would enjoy this stage while you can, they grow up sooooooo quickly these days.
I have 2 boys age 8 and 5 and they have a Wii and a DS each and I have a constant battle to limit the time that they spend on them!! They also both have great imaginations and will make up all sorts of games. They like their bikes, scooters, playing football etc but also still have lots of soft toys and some stuff that would be classed as babyish by others! I feel if they still like playing with it, why stop them? As I already said, I think there is a huge pressure for them to grow up too quickly these days and they are not young for long, so I think let children be children!
I wouldn't worry and let your son continue to use his fab imagination and keep encouraging his little circle of friends (maybe tea and play after school).
Hope that helps.
Teresa
I didn't want to just read and run!
My initial personally reaction is that your DS sounds like he is a very happy little boy with a GREAT imagination! I would enjoy this stage while you can, they grow up sooooooo quickly these days.
I have 2 boys age 8 and 5 and they have a Wii and a DS each and I have a constant battle to limit the time that they spend on them!! They also both have great imaginations and will make up all sorts of games. They like their bikes, scooters, playing football etc but also still have lots of soft toys and some stuff that would be classed as babyish by others! I feel if they still like playing with it, why stop them? As I already said, I think there is a huge pressure for them to grow up too quickly these days and they are not young for long, so I think let children be children!
I wouldn't worry and let your son continue to use his fab imagination and keep encouraging his little circle of friends (maybe tea and play after school).
Hope that helps.
Teresa
0
Similar threads
Children (4 - 11 years)
Bedtime for an 8 year old?
Children (4 - 11 years)
7 year old boy's attitude
Children (4 - 11 years)
Party bag ideas for 8 year old boys?
Children (4 - 11 years)
5 year old boy - is this behaviour normal?
Children (4 - 11 years)
Calpol and 8 week injections
Children (4 - 11 years)
Bedtime for an 8 year old?
Children (4 - 11 years)
8 month old routine
Anonymous
26/03/2012 at 12:52 pm
Ok you are going to think me slightly unhinged but your post made me cry - with pure relief that my son isn't the only boy in the world whose favorite toy is the recycling bin!!! He is also dyslexic and dyspraxic and has a number of autistic traits but they could easily be due to sensory issues but we have never looked for a diagnosis for this.
My DS is nearly 10 and spends hours creating things from cardboard boxes and bits of broken electrical equipment. They sit there (on the landing) for weeks as he adds to them and alters them. His brothers can join in but have to play by his rules. He too hates team sports and is very immature. I know what you mean about feeling sad when you see "normal" boys, i am ashamed to say that I often wish quietly to myself that he too was normal as I can see how hard life is going to be as his peers grow up and he struggles to fit in.
Hope knowing that you are not alone is as much of a relief to you as it has been to me.:D
My DS is nearly 10 and spends hours creating things from cardboard boxes and bits of broken electrical equipment. They sit there (on the landing) for weeks as he adds to them and alters them. His brothers can join in but have to play by his rules. He too hates team sports and is very immature. I know what you mean about feeling sad when you see "normal" boys, i am ashamed to say that I often wish quietly to myself that he too was normal as I can see how hard life is going to be as his peers grow up and he struggles to fit in.
Hope knowing that you are not alone is as much of a relief to you as it has been to me.:D
0
Anonymous
26/03/2012 at 12:53 pm
Hiya,
I'm not in a position to advise whether your sons behaviour is nirmal or not, but just wanted to say you description of him and his playing made me smile. He sounds wonderful. I have an 8 week old little boy and if he played this way whe he is bigger i think i'd be happy. He sounds like he will add variety to this world and that can only be a good thing
X
I'm not in a position to advise whether your sons behaviour is nirmal or not, but just wanted to say you description of him and his playing made me smile. He sounds wonderful. I have an 8 week old little boy and if he played this way whe he is bigger i think i'd be happy. He sounds like he will add variety to this world and that can only be a good thing
X
0
Anonymous
26/03/2012 at 12:54 pm
In answer to
Anonymous
My son is 8 and I am aware that he is a bit immature for his age, probably due to the fact that he has dyslexia and sensory processing difficulties.
Firstly, I am not concerned that he is autistic – this has already been ruled out and it was concluded that any autistic traits he does display are due to the sensory processing difficulties (particularly hates noise). I also know through the dyslexia testing that he is of normal, average intelligence.
The sensory processing problems mean that he does not enjoy playing team games such as football like most boys his age. As a result, he tends to prefer playing with girls and his best friend at school is a girl. Due to his dyslexia, he does not read for pleasure like many kids his age. We do not have a Wii, X-Box, DS or similar, and he hasn’t really expressed any interest in having them, although he will play with these things if he visits a house that has them.
He has always been mad keen on cars, has hundreds of them and will mainly play with these at home for hours, making loud engine noises as he does so. He has a terrific imagination and gives them names and created characters for them. He has built a play town which includes a school (for cars of course) racetrack, building site etc etc. The town is made up of a variety things including, lego, train track, happyland-type houses (babyish?) and even boxes he has got from the recycling – it looks a total mess if I’m honest and I’ve told him that when we re-furb the playroom there will be lots of storage and it must be put away each night and he seems fairly accepting of this. At the moment it all stays set up and he is always adding to it and “improving” it. First thing in the morning, he will go to the car school and change the date etc on the school “white board”, get the cars to school etc and then dismiss them when he gets in from school! He plays games in his little town like school fetes, pop concert etc. His 5 year old sister usually joins in the games and has made her own contributions (is also very imaginative) but he will also play the games on his own. I do feel rather embarrassed when people come round and see all this stuff – I’m sure they must think we still have toddlers!!! He does play other games too with his sister such as pretending to be cats (!), camping using clothes airers and towels, putting on shows etc, and Scooby Doo (his favourite TV prog). He will sometimes watch TV, enjoys going out on his bike/scooter, going to the park and swimming. He loves arts & crafts, science and creating things out of rubbish!!! He has also made an “office” with a computer made from cereal packets!
He mainly plays with the same 2 friends at school, a boy and a girl, although the 3 of them will join up with other groups sometimes, mostly girls. I understand they play lots of role play type games in the playground while most of the other boys are off playing football and war!
Do you think this is cause for concern or should I embrace the fact that I have a very imaginative, if rather quirky little boy?!? Should I do more to steer him away from these things or just let him get on with it and assume he’ll grow out of it? We do plan to get a Wii/X-box in the future so maybe that’ll interest him, although ironically I realise most parents are trying to STOP their kids playing those games! At least though, my house wouldn't be such a mess with plastic tat lol!!
I recall that I played in a similar way when I was younger, was also considered quite immature and played with dolls long after most of my peers had stopped and I turned out alright!!!
I often look at the many "normal" alfa male footballing boys at school and feel a bit though.
Firstly, I am not concerned that he is autistic – this has already been ruled out and it was concluded that any autistic traits he does display are due to the sensory processing difficulties (particularly hates noise). I also know through the dyslexia testing that he is of normal, average intelligence.
The sensory processing problems mean that he does not enjoy playing team games such as football like most boys his age. As a result, he tends to prefer playing with girls and his best friend at school is a girl. Due to his dyslexia, he does not read for pleasure like many kids his age. We do not have a Wii, X-Box, DS or similar, and he hasn’t really expressed any interest in having them, although he will play with these things if he visits a house that has them.
He has always been mad keen on cars, has hundreds of them and will mainly play with these at home for hours, making loud engine noises as he does so. He has a terrific imagination and gives them names and created characters for them. He has built a play town which includes a school (for cars of course) racetrack, building site etc etc. The town is made up of a variety things including, lego, train track, happyland-type houses (babyish?) and even boxes he has got from the recycling – it looks a total mess if I’m honest and I’ve told him that when we re-furb the playroom there will be lots of storage and it must be put away each night and he seems fairly accepting of this. At the moment it all stays set up and he is always adding to it and “improving” it. First thing in the morning, he will go to the car school and change the date etc on the school “white board”, get the cars to school etc and then dismiss them when he gets in from school! He plays games in his little town like school fetes, pop concert etc. His 5 year old sister usually joins in the games and has made her own contributions (is also very imaginative) but he will also play the games on his own. I do feel rather embarrassed when people come round and see all this stuff – I’m sure they must think we still have toddlers!!! He does play other games too with his sister such as pretending to be cats (!), camping using clothes airers and towels, putting on shows etc, and Scooby Doo (his favourite TV prog). He will sometimes watch TV, enjoys going out on his bike/scooter, going to the park and swimming. He loves arts & crafts, science and creating things out of rubbish!!! He has also made an “office” with a computer made from cereal packets!
He mainly plays with the same 2 friends at school, a boy and a girl, although the 3 of them will join up with other groups sometimes, mostly girls. I understand they play lots of role play type games in the playground while most of the other boys are off playing football and war!
Do you think this is cause for concern or should I embrace the fact that I have a very imaginative, if rather quirky little boy?!? Should I do more to steer him away from these things or just let him get on with it and assume he’ll grow out of it? We do plan to get a Wii/X-box in the future so maybe that’ll interest him, although ironically I realise most parents are trying to STOP their kids playing those games! At least though, my house wouldn't be such a mess with plastic tat lol!!
I recall that I played in a similar way when I was younger, was also considered quite immature and played with dolls long after most of my peers had stopped and I turned out alright!!!
I often look at the many "normal" alfa male footballing boys at school and feel a bit
though.Hi,
He sounds lovely to me! He has a fantastic imagination and is very creative by the sound of things. Don't worry about him at all. I have an 8 year old boy who, I wish, would do stuff like this more often instead of playing on his Wii/DS. He tends not to use his imagination often but, when he does, he does similar things to your son....making towns etc. I know other boys who are the same. I was round one of there houses on Saturday and his mum took me up to his room and showed me all the stuff he makes out of Lego and 'tatt'. She was complaining about it but I think its great for a boy to be like that. He sounds very bright to me.
Don't rush out to buy a Wii! My son turns into a devil when he has his. Personality changes and he becomes aggressive if he isn't winning on Mariokart or something. I have to really limit him on it. Wish I hadn't got it but gave in as all his friends have Wii's etc. If your son is happy to play like he is...let him. We are only children for such a short time.
Joanne x
He sounds lovely to me! He has a fantastic imagination and is very creative by the sound of things. Don't worry about him at all. I have an 8 year old boy who, I wish, would do stuff like this more often instead of playing on his Wii/DS. He tends not to use his imagination often but, when he does, he does similar things to your son....making towns etc. I know other boys who are the same. I was round one of there houses on Saturday and his mum took me up to his room and showed me all the stuff he makes out of Lego and 'tatt'. She was complaining about it but I think its great for a boy to be like that. He sounds very bright to me.
Don't rush out to buy a Wii! My son turns into a devil when he has his. Personality changes and he becomes aggressive if he isn't winning on Mariokart or something. I have to really limit him on it. Wish I hadn't got it but gave in as all his friends have Wii's etc. If your son is happy to play like he is...let him. We are only children for such a short time.
Joanne x
0
Anonymous
26/03/2012 at 1:00 pm
In answer to
Anonymous
Hi,
He sounds lovely to me! He has a fantastic imagination and is very creative by the sound of things. Don't worry about him at all. I have an 8 year old boy who, I wish, would do stuff like this more often instead of playing on his Wii/DS. He tends not to use his imagination often but, when he does, he does similar things to your son....making towns etc. I know other boys who are the same. I was round one of there houses on Saturday and his mum took me up to his room and showed me all the stuff he makes out of Lego and 'tatt'. She was complaining about it but I think its great for a boy to be like that. He sounds very bright to me.
Don't rush out to buy a Wii! My son turns into a devil when he has his. Personality changes and he becomes aggressive if he isn't winning on Mariokart or something. I have to really limit him on it. Wish I hadn't got it but gave in as all his friends have Wii's etc. If your son is happy to play like he is...let him. We are only children for such a short time.
Joanne x
He sounds lovely to me! He has a fantastic imagination and is very creative by the sound of things. Don't worry about him at all. I have an 8 year old boy who, I wish, would do stuff like this more often instead of playing on his Wii/DS. He tends not to use his imagination often but, when he does, he does similar things to your son....making towns etc. I know other boys who are the same. I was round one of there houses on Saturday and his mum took me up to his room and showed me all the stuff he makes out of Lego and 'tatt'. She was complaining about it but I think its great for a boy to be like that. He sounds very bright to me.
Don't rush out to buy a Wii! My son turns into a devil when he has his. Personality changes and he becomes aggressive if he isn't winning on Mariokart or something. I have to really limit him on it. Wish I hadn't got it but gave in as all his friends have Wii's etc. If your son is happy to play like he is...let him. We are only children for such a short time.
Joanne x
I agree with all the other psoters, he sounds great! When myself and my 2 brothers were kids we had a 'balsa wood island' we made creatures out of balsa world and built a whole little world! We loved it, and I think it really helped our imaginations to grow...is there any way that it could be kept out when you re-furbish? Maybe put onto a low table or something, so that he can continue adding to it? Somewhere out of the way maybe...:D
Don't worry about what other people think, I wish my DS had been more like that, at 8 he discovered computer ganmes etc, and is now pretty much addicted.
Don't worry about what other people think, I wish my DS had been more like that, at 8 he discovered computer ganmes etc, and is now pretty much addicted.
0
jill p(4)
26/03/2012 at 1:02 pm
all kids are in to different things! i have an 8 yr old who likes to build lego models, loves riding his scooter and loves to make cardboard box models too!!!
0
Anonymous
26/03/2012 at 1:02 pm
PS, As far as friends go, one or 2 good friends is fine imo. Better than having loads of 'ok' friends!
He sounds like he will be a very artistic/ creative person as he grows up.
He sounds like he will be a very artistic/ creative person as he grows up.
0
Similar threads
Children (4 - 11 years)
8 year old won't play on his own
Children (4 - 11 years)
8 week old grunting all night long
Children (4 - 11 years)
Bedtime for a 8 year old????
Children (4 - 11 years)
8 year old and tantrums
Children (4 - 11 years)
Toddler not talking at 2 years 8 mths, very upset.
Children (4 - 11 years)
Purple hands and feet - is this normal?
Children (4 - 11 years)
bodywash for an 8 year old
Anonymous
26/03/2012 at 1:06 pm
sounds like a smashing little boy! I'd quite like to come round and play myself!! x
0
Can't find your answer?
Anonymous
26/03/2012 at 1:08 pm
I think you should immensely proud that you have such a fabulous kid with a wonderful imagination!
My son is also 8 and he hates football! He spends most of his time when playing at home with his lego, making use of all manner of stuff to build upon whatever world he is lost in.
I work with children, usually toddlers, so we always have loads of 'babyish' toys like Happyland and when we have older children stay with us you would be amazed at just how many will happily play with it.
I remember as a girl I used to shut my bedroom door and lean against so no one could come in and catch me playing with my dolls! What a shame that kids have to grow up too fast. Your kids are incredibly lucky to have such a fantastic mum who lets them simply be kids. Well done you x
My son is also 8 and he hates football! He spends most of his time when playing at home with his lego, making use of all manner of stuff to build upon whatever world he is lost in.
I work with children, usually toddlers, so we always have loads of 'babyish' toys like Happyland and when we have older children stay with us you would be amazed at just how many will happily play with it.
I remember as a girl I used to shut my bedroom door and lean against so no one could come in and catch me playing with my dolls! What a shame that kids have to grow up too fast. Your kids are incredibly lucky to have such a fantastic mum who lets them simply be kids. Well done you x
0
Anonymous
26/03/2012 at 1:13 pm
In answer to
Anonymous
Ok you are going to think me slightly unhinged but your post made me cry - with pure relief that my son isn't the only boy in the world whose favorite toy is the recycling bin!!! He is also dyslexic and dyspraxic and has a number of autistic traits but they could easily be due to sensory issues but we have never looked for a diagnosis for this.
My DS is nearly 10 and spends hours creating things from cardboard boxes and bits of broken electrical equipment. They sit there (on the landing) for weeks as he adds to them and alters them. His brothers can join in but have to play by his rules. He too hates team sports and is very immature. I know what you mean about feeling sad when you see "normal" boys, i am ashamed to say that I often wish quietly to myself that he too was normal as I can see how hard life is going to be as his peers grow up and he struggles to fit in.
Hope knowing that you are not alone is as much of a relief to you as it has been to me.:D
My DS is nearly 10 and spends hours creating things from cardboard boxes and bits of broken electrical equipment. They sit there (on the landing) for weeks as he adds to them and alters them. His brothers can join in but have to play by his rules. He too hates team sports and is very immature. I know what you mean about feeling sad when you see "normal" boys, i am ashamed to say that I often wish quietly to myself that he too was normal as I can see how hard life is going to be as his peers grow up and he struggles to fit in.
Hope knowing that you are not alone is as much of a relief to you as it has been to me.:D
I understand that dyslexics are often very creative and imaginative, lol at the broken electrical stuff, my son also does that, forgot to mention! My son has already said he wants to go into building or electrics and I bet he probably will, certainly won't be doing anything academic. Incidently, his dad is very gifted practically speaking, is an engineer, but probably dyslexic
0
Anonymous
26/03/2012 at 1:14 pm
He sounds wonderful, full of imagination and creativity - also he reminds me of my 8 year old daughter, she is very clever, happy "normal" but spends hours and hours barking at me (:roll:) making "sculptures" and watching scooby doo
Kids are great, and I hope against hope I get to hang on to Kacy for as long as possible while shes little. My neice who is the same age, walks around with a face full of make up on, high heels and a bra (!!) telling Kacy thats shes a "loser" or "sad" - I know which way I would rather have it!
Your lad sounds great
Kids are great, and I hope against hope I get to hang on to Kacy for as long as possible while shes little. My neice who is the same age, walks around with a face full of make up on, high heels and a bra (!!) telling Kacy thats shes a "loser" or "sad" - I know which way I would rather have it!
Your lad sounds great
0
Similar threads
Children (4 - 11 years)
8 week injections - how long was your baby "off" for?
Children (4 - 11 years)
Please help, 8 year old having tics?
Children (4 - 11 years)
8 month old screaming at night and not able to self soothe - help!
Children (4 - 11 years)
is this head lice?
Children (4 - 11 years)
6 month old screeching - is this a phase?
Children (4 - 11 years)
8 year old daughter getting a pot belly is this puberty starting or extra weight
Anonymous
26/03/2012 at 1:17 pm
Emma D
I dont think you have any worries at all about the way your son chooses to play. I have been a Play Development Coordinator for many years also teaching NVQ in Play and I woukd say your child is playing in the purest and most natural way which is sooo refreshing in comparison to what I call artificial play e.g wii/ xbox/ playstation/ pc. Your son is taking his play cues from all the items around him in his home environment and engaging with his sister in imagination games .........all fantastic.
I myself have 3 sons (older now) who are all creative - one is a freelance illustrator, one is a drummer in a band and my youngest wants to study politics so all very different but similar in another way. I allowed my children a freerange childhood to explore and discover what they liked and didnt get too caught up in what other boys liked.
Your son sounds like a very creative and artistic child ...my advise is to encourage this xx
I dont think you have any worries at all about the way your son chooses to play. I have been a Play Development Coordinator for many years also teaching NVQ in Play and I woukd say your child is playing in the purest and most natural way which is sooo refreshing in comparison to what I call artificial play e.g wii/ xbox/ playstation/ pc. Your son is taking his play cues from all the items around him in his home environment and engaging with his sister in imagination games .........all fantastic.
I myself have 3 sons (older now) who are all creative - one is a freelance illustrator, one is a drummer in a band and my youngest wants to study politics so all very different but similar in another way. I allowed my children a freerange childhood to explore and discover what they liked and didnt get too caught up in what other boys liked.
Your son sounds like a very creative and artistic child ...my advise is to encourage this xx
0
Anonymous
26/03/2012 at 1:38 pm
Hello Emma.
Ok first off, I'm not a mum at all. Why you ask I am on here - being a mum is my life ambition.
Your "concerns" have intrigued me and sparked me into trying to answer some questions.
I'm eldest of 3 children, and have helped raise both my sisters, and one thing I know is that not any 2 children are ever the same.
Firstly I would like to use my own sibling as examples. Middle child we'll call L and youngest we'll call O.
L and myself grew up with only 2 years separating our births and were fast friends. We were tomboys together, we were divas together - you name it we displayed behaviour of twins.
But now we're grown up [myself 20 and herself 18] we are completely different people.
Now O was the odd one out, there are 9 years between her and L - and this characteristically showed in her development. Although L was keen to "play" with L in early years, as L grew, O was left to her own entertainment.
O is now moving on to 10 years of age this year, and she is STILL playing imagination games with herself and stuffed toys. She relishes in her own comfort and privacy. She is seen as "weird" or "quirky" or "nerd like".
And some people are just born that way.
Moving back to being on topic, your son displays behaviour which can be assumed or perceived as "immature" or "anti-social" but in fact this is his uniqueness and personality.
You should embrace his quirks and sort to enlighten yourself about how you can help him develop his passions.
You say he is artistic and scientific, perhaps enrol him in an Arts & Crafts sessions or even do your own at home. Maybe teach him how to use the computer and he can do his own research [with adult supervision of course].
All these things will let him know you are there to support him [not that I doubt he doesn't already know] and it might bring you closer together.
All these things I've said have come from my own experiences, and I do understand that my solution may not work for someone else, but it is also a possibility that it does help.
Ok first off, I'm not a mum at all. Why you ask I am on here - being a mum is my life ambition.
Your "concerns" have intrigued me and sparked me into trying to answer some questions.
I'm eldest of 3 children, and have helped raise both my sisters, and one thing I know is that not any 2 children are ever the same.
Firstly I would like to use my own sibling as examples. Middle child we'll call L and youngest we'll call O.
L and myself grew up with only 2 years separating our births and were fast friends. We were tomboys together, we were divas together - you name it we displayed behaviour of twins.
But now we're grown up [myself 20 and herself 18] we are completely different people.
Now O was the odd one out, there are 9 years between her and L - and this characteristically showed in her development. Although L was keen to "play" with L in early years, as L grew, O was left to her own entertainment.
O is now moving on to 10 years of age this year, and she is STILL playing imagination games with herself and stuffed toys. She relishes in her own comfort and privacy. She is seen as "weird" or "quirky" or "nerd like".
And some people are just born that way.
Moving back to being on topic, your son displays behaviour which can be assumed or perceived as "immature" or "anti-social" but in fact this is his uniqueness and personality.
You should embrace his quirks and sort to enlighten yourself about how you can help him develop his passions.
You say he is artistic and scientific, perhaps enrol him in an Arts & Crafts sessions or even do your own at home. Maybe teach him how to use the computer and he can do his own research [with adult supervision of course].
All these things will let him know you are there to support him [not that I doubt he doesn't already know] and it might bring you closer together.
All these things I've said have come from my own experiences, and I do understand that my solution may not work for someone else, but it is also a possibility that it does help.
0
1
2
